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CatNap

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Why CatNap?

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family’s world is turned upside down. Parents often find their own wellbeing stretched as they provide support around the clock, especially during continuous overnight hospital stays where sleep is frequently disturbed. In these conditions, the demands of caregiving can quickly lead to exhaustion, and the impact of lost sleep can take a toll on both mental and physical health.

CatNap was created to address this vital need, offering parents and carers practical tools and tested strategies to improve sleep quality, resilience, and overall well-being.

Drawing from the experiences of medical professionals, sleep experts, and parents who’ve been in similar situations, CatNap’s resources are tailored to offer calm, rest, and support during the most challenging times. The program recognises that no single approach fits all—each user can adapt CatNap’s tools to fit their own unique needs and routines, whether at the hospital or at home.

What is CatNap?

CatNap is a flexible, multi-component program that offers practical, evidence-based strategies for improving sleep and self-care for parents caring for a child with cancer. Developed with input from sleep psychologists, paediatric oncologists, and experienced parents, CatNap aims to provide rest and renewal when it’s needed most:

  • Personalised Sleep Strategies: Techniques for adjusting sleep habits that fit hospital or home settings.
  • Relaxation and Stress Management: Methods for winding down, reducing anxiety, and promoting rest.
  • Self-Care for Caregivers: Practical advice to combat burnout, improve emotional resilience, and stay energised.
  • Safety and Alertness: Tips to help maintain focus and safety during high-stress periods.
  • Building Long-Term Habits: Guidance for practicing consistent sleep-supportive routines that can carry over from hospital to home.

Who is CatNap for?

CatNap is designed for parents and carers of children with cancer who are navigating the daily challenges of caring for their child in hospital or at home. This program offers a compassionate toolkit for anyone who finds themselves in the hospital overnight, facing restless nights and ongoing stress. Whether your child is newly diagnosed or undergoing long-term treatment, CatNap provides practical support and tools to help you rest and recharge.

How does CatNap help?

CatNap offers you an invaluable set of tools to manage stress, improve your sleep quality, and care for yourself while caring for your child. By building healthier sleep routines, you’ll not only improve your own energy levels and resilience, but you’ll also be better equipped to support your child throughout their treatment journey.  Key benefits include guidance on maintaining relaxation, minimising burnout, and help with creating a sense of calm and well-being, no matter where you are on your child’s journey.

Cascade Program

Connect Groups
Event

Cascade: End of treatment support for parents & carers

When treatment ends… Parents often tell us that when their child finishes treatment, they have a mix of emotions. They…

Cascade: End of treatment support for parents & carers

When treatment ends… Parents often tell us that when their child finishes treatment, they have a mix of emotions. They…

Man hugs baby and little boy

Connect Groups
Event
Express your interest

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.

Health

Nutrition tips for kids on cancer treatment

Well all know that nutrition plays a huge part in a child’s overall health and wellbeing but food often becomes a stressful part of daily life during treatment.

Nutrition tips for kids on cancer treatment

Well all know that nutrition plays a huge part in a child’s overall health and wellbeing but food often becomes a stressful part of daily life during treatment.

Health

How to encourage healthy eating after childhood cancer

Creating healthier eating habits with your child can be difficult after cancer treatment. Here we share some fun tips and activities to encourage your child to eat heathier foods.

How to encourage healthy eating after childhood cancer

Creating healthier eating habits with your child can be difficult after cancer treatment. Here we share some fun tips and activities to encourage your child to eat heathier foods.

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    Group Support

    Connect with people from around Australia who are in a similar situation

    Group Support

    Connect with people from around Australia who are in a similar situation

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    Counselling

    Helping adults and children through every stage of the cancer experience

    Counselling

    Helping adults and children through every stage of the cancer experience

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    Social Work

    Holistic support facing the challenges caused by childhood cancer

    Social Work

    Holistic support facing the challenges caused by childhood cancer

    Practical stuff

    Help paying for bills, groceries, and petrol

    To help pay for everyday essentials when the budget gets tight

    Help paying for bills, groceries, and petrol

    To help pay for everyday essentials when the budget gets tight