You can send a message now from this page or email Redkite at support@redkite.org.au
When your child is diagnosed with cancer, change in your life is inevitable. Parents, family members and friends often describe feeling isolated and unsure of who to talk to or where to go for information and support.
If you are a young person up to the age of 24 with a cancer diagnosis, you may find talking to someone outside your family and friends is also easier.
Redkite’s Email Support service offers families and young people the opportunity to remain connected to cancer specific information, resources and counselling support which can all be accessed as and when you need it.
How it works
Your email will be sent directly to one of our counsellors and they’ll respond to you within two days. If you email us over the weekend, it may take an extra day to receive a response. Your email is kept private between you, the counsellor and their supervisor.
Read
our privacy statement for more information on how we protect your confidentiality.
Who can email?
Email support is available to any young person up to the age of 24 who has been diagnosed with cancer in Australia. Email Support is also available to the young person’s parents, families and friends.
If you are under 14, you will need the consent of your parent/guardian to utilise Redkite's Email Support service. For further details please
visit our page on consent or contact us on 1800 REDKITE (1800 733 548) or email
support@redkite.org.au for more information.
If you need urgent help
Email Support is
not an urgent crisis service. If you need urgent support, we strongly suggest you contact your treatment centre, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
www.kidshelp.com.au or Lifeline 13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au
Practical support and information
Not everyone who gets in touch with Redkite's email or telephone support is looking for assistance dealing with the personal, emotional challenges of childhood cancer. Redkite is available to help families through the practical side of the cancer journey too. Many people contact us for tips in helping others around them or for advice on other avenues of support.
“Redkite's email support was amazing. I could really communicate about the big issues and my worries, and I could also ask about the smaller, day to day things as well. Very, very helpful!"
Practical support is available for:
- Finding out more about our financial assistance services;
- Asking questions about what help you can get from other support services in the community, like government agencies or other not-for-profit organisations;
- Discussing education and career support options - what can you do about exams, uni, apprenticeships and jobs;
- Clarifying what role your GP plays in this new, complex healthcare system you're now in; and
- Ensuring your voice is heard within the healthcare system. Hospitals and specialists deal with hundreds of people every day – we can give you advice on how to navigate the system.
Extended family or friends can call us for advice on how to talk with their family member or friend that is unwell.
Teachers and school counsellors or guidance officers looking for advice on how best to support a student with cancer can also get in touch.
You can also contact us to provide feedback on Redkite services:
Call 1800 REDKITE (1800 733 548) or email
support@redkite.org.au
If you need urgent help
Email Support is not an urgent crisis service. If you need urgent support, we strongly suggest you contact your treatment centre, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
www.kidshelp.com.au or Lifeline 13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au.
