Event
Kite for Kids: Connecting children diagnosed with cancer
A fun, safe space where children who have been diagnosed with cancer (aged 6-12) can meet their peers, play games, and talk about their feelings and experiences.
A cancer diagnosis causes big changes in the lives of children. They may feel scared or alone, and it can be hard for friends their age to understand what they’re going through. The changes and challenges cancer causes can also lead to big emotions – from fear and anger to confusion and sadness.
How can Kite for Kids help?
Sometimes it can help to meet a group of children who understand and have had similar experiences. This group brings together children who have been diagnosed with cancer and creates a safe space for them to make new friends, share their feelings, and talk about what they might be finding hard about their diagnosis. Each session is filled with activities for them to have fun, share their ideas, and learn new skills.
Redkite’s social workers have made exciting activities that will give each child the chance to explore their big feelings, identify their strengths, practice taking care of their emotional wellbeing, and learn tools to help them better cope with change. Sessions will focus on different parts of their mental health, including feelings, self-esteem, and resilience, and will encourage creativity and self-expression.
Some of the activities include:
Who is this group for?
This group program is for children who have been diagnosed with cancer and are aged 6-12. It is best suited for children who can attend all four sessions in a confidential space.
This group is open to children at any stage of their cancer experience, however, due to the time commitment, we recommend it for children who are close to finishing treatment or who have finished treatment. If you are unsure whether this group is a good fit for your child, please contact us.
How are the groups held?
These groups are held online using Microsoft Teams. Links will be emailed to you before the group starts. We would appreciate it if children could have their cameras and microphones on for each session. They can join using a laptop or tablet.
Program Outline
The program is facilitated by two Redkite social workers and includes up to six children.
| Session No. | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introductions and feelings |
| 2 | Feelings and challenges |
| 3 | Strategies and coping with big feelings |
| 4 | Strengths, reflection and wishes for the future |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can parents join?
We understand that your child may feel unsure or nervous for their first session, so please feel free to come along for the first few minutes until they are comfortable. We ask that the child join all other sessions by themselves to allow a private space for the group to share confidentially.
What if my child can only join one session?
If this schedule does not work for you, we recommend booking a one-on-one counselling session with one of our lovely social workers.
What if my child is upset during the session and has to leave?
During our first session, we will explain to the children that these groups may bring up big emotions and we will let them know what to do if this happens. Children are able to leave sessions at any point if they do not feel comfortable. We will get in touch with you after the session if this occurs.
What if I don’t have internet access or a quiet space?
These groups require internet access and a quiet space where a child can feel safe to share their thoughts, and the privacy of the other children can be maintained.
If you do not have access to the internet or a quiet space, we recommend one-on-one children’s counselling over the phone with one of our social workers.
I have another question. Who can I ask?
Call us on
Related events
Connect Group: My child was recently diagnosed
Our connect groups let you connect over video with people in a similar situation. These informal groups are a space where you can share your experience with people who’ve been there too, as well as talk about challenges and share things you’ve found helpful.
Connect Group: My child was recently diagnosed
Our connect groups let you connect over video with people in a similar situation. These informal groups are a space where you can share your experience with people who’ve been there too, as well as talk about challenges and share things you’ve found helpful.
Connect Group: My child has finished treatment
Our connect groups let you connect over video with people in a similar situation. These informal groups are a space where you can share your experience with people who’ve been there too, as well as talk about challenges and share things you’ve found helpful.
Connect Group: My child has finished treatment
Our connect groups let you connect over video with people in a similar situation. These informal groups are a space where you can share your experience with people who’ve been there too, as well as talk about challenges and share things you’ve found helpful.
Connect Group: My child has a brain tumour
Our connect groups let you connect over video with people in a similar situation. These informal groups are a space where you can share your experience with people who’ve been there too, as well as talk about challenges and share things you’ve found helpful.
Connect Group: My child has a brain tumour
Our connect groups let you connect over video with people in a similar situation. These informal groups are a space where you can share your experience with people who’ve been there too, as well as talk about challenges and share things you’ve found helpful.
Connect Group for Grandparents, Extended Family & Friends
Our connect groups let you connect over video with people in a similar situation. These informal groups are a space where you can share your experience with people who’ve been there too, as well as talk about challenges and share things you’ve found helpful
Connect Group for Grandparents, Extended Family & Friends
Our connect groups let you connect over video with people in a similar situation. These informal groups are a space where you can share your experience with people who’ve been there too, as well as talk about challenges and share things you’ve found helpful
