Online Support Programs for Parents and Carers
Parenting is hard enough without cancer in the picture. When your child is diagnosed, or when you are facing your own diagnosis while raising a family, you carry an enormous emotional load. These online support programs are built specifically for parents and carers, so you can find practical strategies and genuine connection in your own time and from your own home.
Who can join?
Groups are open to any adult connected to a child (0–17 years) who has been diagnosed with cancer, whether they’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, or finished treatment. You’re welcome to join at any stage and attend as often as you like.
Connect and Coffee Groups for parents and carers
We offer two types of online groups:
- Online Coffee Catch Ups: Fortnightly informal sessions for parents and carers, facilitated by Redkite social workers. These regular catch ups offer a supportive space to connect with others going through similar experiences.
- Online Connect Groups: Topic-specific sessions facilitated by a Redkite social worker, including:
- Parents of children recently diagnosed
- Dads
- Mums
- Grandparents, extended family, and close friends
All groups are freely available to register via the myRedkite online portal.
How to get started?
Visit the support page and talk to our intake team, or fill out a referral form. Many parents also join our Events and programs to connect in person.
Online Support Programs for Parents and Carers FAQs
Who can join the online support groups?
Any adult connected to a child aged 0–17 who has been diagnosed with cancer can join. This includes parents, carers, grandparents, extended family members, and close friends. You’re welcome to participate whether the child is newly diagnosed, in treatment, or has finished treatment.
What types of online groups are available?
- Online Coffee Catch Ups – informal, fortnightly sessions facilitated by Redkite social workers, offering a relaxed space to connect with others in similar situations.
- Online Connect Groups – topic‑specific sessions for different groups such as parents of newly diagnosed children, dads, mums, and extended family members.
Why are the online support groups helpful?
These groups give you the chance to connect with people who genuinely get it. Everyone attending is supporting a child with cancer, so you’re surrounded by others who understand the emotions, pressures, and day‑to‑day challenges you’re navigating. It’s a space where you don’t have to explain or justify how you’re coping – you can simply share, listen, and feel understood by people who know what this experience is really like.
About Redkite
Holding it together when your child’s life is in question can feel impossible. Redkite provides practical, emotional and financial support for families who have a child with cancer aged 17 or under, so you don’t have to face it alone.
Discover our other cancer services and resources
Book Club
We have books for children, teens and adults, covering a range of topics to help throughout the cancer experience. Borrow for free for as long as you like!
Children’s Counselling
Redkite’s Children’s Counselling supports kids with cancer and siblings (5-17 years) through tailored activities. Focusing on emotional well-being, resilience, and self-esteem in a safe, caring environment.
How can Centrelink help my family?
Understanding and navigating Centrelink can be difficult and confusing. Below are some tips about Centrelink and other options that may be relevant to you and your family.
Supporting your partner when they have cancer
Being the partner of someone who has cancer isn’t easy – it can be scary and confusing.
Events and Programs
Canteen’s events and programs give young people some much-needed space away from the daily pressures of living with cancer.
Emotions and Cancer: Coping tips for parents
Parents and carers of children diagnosed with cancer often experience stress, overwhelm and uncertainty throughout the cancer experience. Here are our tips for coping with strong emotions during this challenging time.
Financial Assistance
Cancer can have a significant impact on a family’s financial situation. Redkite can help by paying for essentials like fuel, groceries, electricity and more.
Family Retreats
A precious break for families to reconnect and have a holiday away together, often for the first time since diagnosis.
Education and Career Support
This service helps young cancer patients aged 15-25 stay connected to study or work both during and after their cancer treatment.
Teacher Resources about Cancer
The teacher resource pack is a guide to help school staff and parents/carers, from preschools to primary schools across Australia, navigate cancer in the school community.