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 cancer specific information and counselling support. Redkite is there for you at this challenging time.
If you are a young person aged 24 or under with a cancer diagnosis you may find talking to someone outside your family and friends easier. We are there for you.
Telephone support offers families and young people with cancer the opportunity to remain connected to information, resources and counselling support which can be accessed as and when needed.
Redkite’s Telephone Support also offers practical assistance for a range of
support services.
How does it work?
Redkite offers telephone support to parents of children with cancer, young people with cancer (up to the age of 24), family members and friends. If you have a query or concern about resources, are seeking information or just want to talk to someone about your concerns, Redkite’s professional and experienced counsellors are available for you.
Our counsellors are on hand to talk with you about anything you want. You won’t have to give us your name or any other details if you’re not comfortable sharing that. And remember, anything you tell the counsellor will stay between you, the counsellor and their supervisor. We take your privacy very seriously. Please
click here for further information on privacy.
If you call again, we will try our best to connect you with the same counsellor. You can also set up appointments in advance to connect with the same counsellor and continue developing your relationship with them.
When can you call?
Telephone support is available Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm.
Call 1800 REDKITE (1800 733 548)
If you need urgent support outside these hours, we strongly suggest you contact your treatment centre, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline 13 11 14.
Practical information
Not everyone who gets in touch with Redkite's support telephone line 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 practical assistance regarding other support services.
“When I was diagnosed with cancer I felt very alone and confused. Being able to call Redkite meant there was always someone to talk to. They really understood what I was going through - and I didn't have to worry about whether they could 'handle it', like I did with my friends.”
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, university, 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
What does it cost?
Telephone Support is available for the cost of a local call. Calls from mobile phones will be charged at normal mobile phone rates.
Telephone support is part of the range of Redkite Services available to support young people with cancer and their families.
Consent
If you are under 14, you will need your parent or guardian’s consent to participate in Redkite Telephone counselling. Please ring 1800 REDKITE (1800 733 548) and we can talk with you about this.
