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Resources

Welcome to our Redkite Social Work Series, where our social workers share real-life experiences and insights from families navigating the challenges of a childhood cancer diagnosis.

We know that caring for a child with cancer can feel both lonely and overwhelming – but you’re not alone. At Redkite, we’re here to support you in ways that feel right for you, walking alongside you from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond.

As we celebrate World Social Work Day on March 18th, we take a moment to recognize social workers and the role they play in supporting families at Redkite.

If there is a topic, you would like us to cover in future interviews, please let us know!

At Redkite, we understand that a childhood cancer diagnosis touches every part of your family’s life. Our approach is based on social work models that recognise each family is unique. We take the time to listen, understand, and provide support that is truly helpful – whether that means having someone to talk to, accessing online resources, offering family or individual counselling, or connecting you with other services.

We believe a cancer diagnosis doesn’t happen in isolation.

  • Hard and confronting questions  
  • Your fears and anxiety
  • Grief over missed experiences
  • Shifts in family roles
  • Changes in friendships
  • The impact on your professional life
  • Challenges in navigating the health system
  • Advocating for your child and other interconnected challenges

Our social workers are here to offer you a safe, non-judgmental space where you can share how you’re feeling and discuss the ups and downs of your experience.

  • Listening in a non-judgmental way
  • Offering information and resources tailored to your family’s needs
  • Helping you navigate changes in family dynamics and providing guidance when discussing cancer with children and siblings
  • Assisting you in accessing additional support services

Simply put, we’re here to help in the way that feels best for you.

“I think what families need most from Redkite’s social work service is real, human connection—someone who truly listens, understands the overwhelm, and meets them with warmth and empathy. Every family’s experience is different, and our role is to listen without judgment, acknowledge their strengths, and work alongside them in whatever way is most helpful to them.

They need support that is person-centred and strengths-based, recognizing their resilience while tailoring support to their needs in a way that works best for them. For some families, this means having a space to talk through worries or navigate the emotional impact of childhood cancer. For others, it’s about practical support, like linking them with financial assistance, referrals, or other services inside and outside Redkite.

Whatever that support looks like, families should feel heard and supported.”

“Families need to feel less alone at a time that can feel so isolating, and a space that offers understanding when the unknown can feel so overwhelming.”

“A safe space where families can be truly open and honest about their experiences without the guilt or anxiety that often comes with sharing personal stories with friends or relatives. Many families hesitate to open up due to the uncertainty of how others will respond, and they often end up comforting the person they were confiding in or encountering unintentional insensitive comments.

We’re able to validate and normalise their emotions and aim to help them find the tools and strategies they need. Along with this, we support them with practical matters too, whether that’s our Financial Assistance, linking them with other support beyond Redkite, helping them access in-home help, or connecting them with organisations like CQ, Canteen, and other key stakeholders.”

“…what families need most is a space to talk to someone who ‘gets it’ but also meets them where they’re at. I hear all the time from parents that they share things they haven’t been able to share with anyone else due to worry about being judged, feeling the other person won’t understand or they may have to manage the other person’s reaction…”

Contact us to find out more about our services or to book a session with our social workers.

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    Organising

    Staying in the hospital for the first time: Teenagers

    When it comes to hospital and treatment centres, teenagers can be sent to either a children’s hospital or an adult facility.

    Staying in the hospital for the first time: Teenagers

    When it comes to hospital and treatment centres, teenagers can be sent to either a children’s hospital or an adult facility.

    Ideas

    Redkite Music Box: Supporting families through music

    Redkite Music Box is here to help you and your family while you’re going through treatment, when you are at home, between hospital visits or after treatment is finished.

    Redkite Music Box: Supporting families through music

    Redkite Music Box is here to help you and your family while you’re going through treatment, when you are at home, between hospital visits or after treatment is finished.

    Ideas

    Kite Breathing for kids

    Kite Breathing is an activity you can do when you are feeling anxious.

    Kite Breathing for kids

    Kite Breathing is an activity you can do when you are feeling anxious.

    Ideas

    Activities for Mum and me

    We are celebrating mums everywhere! We have some fun and creative activities for you to do with your child.   

    Activities for Mum and me

    We are celebrating mums everywhere! We have some fun and creative activities for you to do with your child.