Red Bag and support packs

Most families arrive at the hospital unprepared emotionally and practically to receive the news that their child has cancer. For many, they have come directly from the GP’s surgery without having visited home and without any necessary practical items to assist them in their stay.

Redkite’s Red Bags contain practical support items that assist families during this initial diagnosis. Contents in the bags include toiletries, snacks, puzzle books and the comfort of a teddy bear. Red Bags also contain a variety of key information about the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis for all family members which  can be referred to throughout the cancer journey. 

Redkite is delighted to have the support of Country Road, who partnered with us in 2008 to redesign the Red Bags. Country Road have partnered with Redkite ever since to distribute the Red Bags nationally as the Major Program Partner - Redkite Red Bags.

Since the success of Redkite’s Red Bag program and its practical support for families of newly cancer-diagnosed children, Redkite identified a need for a similar bag tailored for young people who are being treated in the adult system. Whereas the Red Bag provides essentials for the family in the first stages of diagnosis, Redkite’s support pack provides information and useful items for adolescents and young adults (up to the age of 24) at any stage of the cancer journey, supporting them and keeping them connected to resources and emotional support.

The Redkite support pack provides the young person with useful items such as: information books, toiletries, pill box, book light, drink bottle, folding mirror, phone sock, puzzle books and a diary.

Red Bags and support packs are distributed by social workers and adolescent/young adult care coordinators in hospitals across Australia.


“It’s the best thing ever!!  Don’t know how I would have made it through the events of last week without it.  Thank you so, so, so much. All of (the contents) are fantastic. Have just about finished all of the information sheets.  It’s great to have info that’s easy to understand and states what you didn’t quite take in when doctors tell you.  Thank you.  You are doing a wonderful job.”
A mother on receiving the Red Bag