Support for mob impacted by cancer
Youth Cancer Service
Canteen is here to help young people and families
Canteen acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future. We are committed to providing inclusive and appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, their kin and community. Indigenous Australians are respectfully advised this website may contain images, names or stories of people who have passed away.
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We support young people, their kin and communities and our services are always free
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Knowing
What's going to happen? How will I cope? We can help you get answers and walk beside you to get support for your family.
Feeling
Talking to someone about how you're feeling can really help. Our staff are here to listen and to give you the support you need to cope.
Community
You don't have to go through this alone. You can connect with people who get what you're going through at in-person events or online.
How Canteen can help
Meet Joel
The Young Adult Reconciliation Network (YARN) is made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and mentors who use their lived experience to help shape Canteen's Reconciliation Action Plan and guide its commitment to youth leadership and reconciliation. Alongside the YARN, the Elders and Leaders Reconciliation Network brings current members, mentors and respected Elders together in a space grounded in cultural safety and genuine collaboration.
Joel Matysek is a YARN mentor/facilitator and a proud Meuram man from Erub (Darnley Island, Torres Strait), with connections to Ngāti Awa (Māori) and the Czech Republic. Joel has worked across education, health promotion, case management, fitness and project management, bringing that breadth of experience to his role supporting young people through the YARN. Joel is just one voice in a growing network of members, mentors and Elders - meet the rest of the team below.
Need to talk to someone?
Our team is here to help. Call us for free, confidential support, or fill out a form and we'll get back to you.