Resources
Your voice matters: We’re here to listen
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!
What is Social Work at Redkite?
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.
You can talk to us about:
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.
We support you by:
Simply put, we’re here to help in the way that feels best for you.
Here’s what our social workers say families need most from Redkite:
“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…”
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.
Request information And support
We’re ready to help. Please call us on 1800 REDKITE (Mon – Fri 9am – 7pm AEST), or fill out the form below.
Related resources
How to tell your child about their cancer diagnosis
“In conversations with children, don’t make an assumption about how they’re feeling and what they understand. It’s important to let them express themselves in a way that’s right for them.”
How to tell your child about their cancer diagnosis
“In conversations with children, don’t make an assumption about how they’re feeling and what they understand. It’s important to let them express themselves in a way that’s right for them.”
How can siblings of children with cancer be involved in their care?
How can parents involve siblings effectively in the whole care and treatment process without overwhelming them?
How can siblings of children with cancer be involved in their care?
How can parents involve siblings effectively in the whole care and treatment process without overwhelming them?
Taking care of yourself: Physically, mentally and emotionally
Self-care when your child is in hospital looks different for everyone. It’s about finding what recharges you and gives you energy mentally, physically and emotionally.
Taking care of yourself: Physically, mentally and emotionally
Self-care when your child is in hospital looks different for everyone. It’s about finding what recharges you and gives you energy mentally, physically and emotionally.
7 books to read with your child
The Redkite Book Club has a great selection of books, for kids to learn about and understand childhood cancer. Below are five books you can read with your child, suggested by our social workers.
7 books to read with your child
The Redkite Book Club has a great selection of books, for kids to learn about and understand childhood cancer. Below are five books you can read with your child, suggested by our social workers.
