When a family is told their child has cancer, the immediate and ongoing focus is medical treatment and survival. From that point on, everything else comes second to making sure your child and your family are getting through each day.

Redkite offers emotional, financial and practical support, to provide the critical holistic care needed to manage the short and long-term impacts of cancer. And part of that support is counselling.

We are here for parents and carers from the moment their child is diagnosed, throughout treatment, after treatment ends and beyond.  

You decide what you want to talk about – you set the agenda and the pace. It’s also completely confidential. Our social worker will begin by getting to know you and your family situation, spend time discussing the things that are on your mind and exploring strategies to cope as needed. Then if you like, we will set a time to meet you again in future. 

Theresa accessed Redkite counselling support when her 16-year-old daughter Summer was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2021.

“Social Workers would call Mum, just to make sure she didn’t feel alone, because we aren’t alone. My mum had to give up some of her business, so we were grateful for the financial assistance. Redkite has been a big part of our journey.” Summer said.

Our social workers regularly checked in on Theresa, offering a listening ear and guidance during moments of distress. These conversations, initially met with hesitation due to overwhelming circumstances, gradually became sources of solace and relief for Theresa.

Redkite’s paediatric oncology social workers know how to navigate these delicate situations and provide the necessary support. 

Melanie also accessed Redkite counselling when her six-year-old daughter Emily was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in October 2021. 

Emily’s diagnosis came two years after her father was diagnosed with cancer and sadly passed away.

“To have two diagnoses of cancer within two years of each other in the one household just seemed surreal. And once again, I was put in this position where I was completely blindsided.”

Melanie was struggling to manage at home with Emily’s treatment and didn’t know how to move forward. That was when she found out about Redkite.

“Emily’s school counsellor made the referral to Redkite, and within 24 hours, Sara was on the phone to me asking me about my situation. We were going through some really deep problems associated with grief, loss, and yet again, a disruption to what is normal life.”

Redkite plays a crucial role in supporting emotional and mental health and well-being, not only through therapeutic support like counselling, but also through the provision of specialised “Connect Groups” for adults. These are held in person or online, encouraging parents to openly share and explore their emotions and experiences with their peers.

Redkite Counselling

A professional, like your hospital social worker or a member of the Redkite support team can help you with strategies which will work for you, so don’t be afraid to reach out. 
Counselling is available over the phone or online. We can also meet face-to-face at one of our Redkite offices. 
If you’d like to talk – about anything – we’re here to listen.
Counselling is available over the phone or online. We can also meet face-to-face at one of our Redkite offices. 

Redkite plays a crucial role in supporting emotional and mental health and well-being, not only through therapeutic support like counselling, but also through the provision of specialised “Connect Groups” for adults. These are held in person or online, encouraging parents to openly share and explore their emotions and experiences with their peers.