Parenting Through Cancer – Community Guidelines

Parenting Through Cancer acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land in Australia. We also acknowledge the First Nations peoples of Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

We pay respect to Elders past, present and future. We are committed to providing inclusive and appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori and Pasifika young people, their kin and community.  

Hello, Kia Ora! 

Welcome to Parenting Through Cancer! We’re really glad you're part of this community of parents and carers across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, who have children aged 0-25. 

As part of being here, we think it’s important to let you know what we value: safety, privacy, respect and support. 

The first one: safety. We want to make sure that when you're part of this community, you feel safe here, as well as providing safety to others. To show up here fully and be supported fully too. 

This space is available to a wide range of people in different places, ages and situations. So, if you see something that feels offensive or inappropriate in a discussion or in private message - you can report it, or block it. You can also ask staff to help though email: online@canteen.org.au 

Know that this community is also moderated by Canteen/Cancer Hub staff. We may add a content advisory, or even edit or delete a post if something could be harmful or disrespectful to others; but we would always contact you if we need to make changes, or if you’ve indicated you’d like additional support. 

We also value privacy. It's important to be mindful of this as you choose the username and photo that you use, so that it’s not traceable to you directly, or similar to other sites;  and don't mention your local services or locations by name. While you may wish to share your story here, it’s about balance – your privacy has a value. If you have questions about Canteen’s privacy policy, you can also access our Terms and Conditions.

Parenting Through Cancer is a respectful community. It's been created so that people with a diverse range of cancer and life experiences can have their say. That means that you may encounter beliefs, opinions or experiences that are different to your own, and that's okay. In fact, it's these differences that help us grow, and become more aware of what our own story is. We want you to have pride in your culture, faith, ability, sexuality, gender identity... and encourage you to show up as an ally in this space too. 

Of course we value support. Community exists so that no one has to feel alone going through a difficult time, and no one has to feel alone when they need to celebrate big and little wins too!  

Parenting Through Cancer staff aren’t available all the time. But there are many places you can call, webchat or even text with if you need support. Have a look below to find where you can get help now. 
Most of these places will start the conversation with you by asking your name, and how they can help today. There’s no shame in reaching out for the help you need. Remember, you matter, you’re important. 

AUSTRALIA 

Are you (or someone with you) in danger, need urgent help? Call 000 for Emergency Services. Don’t wait. 

Lifeline - Telephone Crisis Support (24/7) 13 11 14 
24/7 Web Chat -  https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/ 
Lifeline Text Available 24/7 - 0477 131 114 

Beyond Blue - Support service 24/7 - 1300 224 636 
11am-12am Web Chat -  https://www.beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat 

MensLine - Australia Men’s support Ages 15+ - 1300 78 99 78 
& 24/7 Web Chat - https://mensline.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/ 

1800RESPECT - Domestic & Family Violence and Abuse support - 1800 737 732 
Web Chat -  https://www.1800respect.org.au/ 

13 YARN - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support, 24/7 13 92 76 
Web Chat - https://www.13yarn.org.au/contact-us-13yarn/

Suicide Call back service - Suicide Prevention Support 1300 659 467 24/7 
& Webchat - https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/ 

AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND 

Are you (or someone with you) in danger, need urgent help? Call 111 for Emergency Services. Don’t wait. 

Contact your local mental health crisis team – click here for a list of numbers

'Need to Talk' - National Helpline Mental Health & Addiction Support Text or Call 1737, available 24/7 - 1737 Need to Talk

Lifeline Aotearoa - Lifeline Crisis Support 0800 543 354 , or Text ‘Help’ to 4357 - Lifeline Aotearoa

Heathline - Healthline for general health advice and nurse support – 0800 611 116 - Healthline

Shine – 0508 744 633 confidential family violence helpline, 24/7, or chat online - Shine

And if you’d like more information on how you can access support for your own cancer journey just email us using the Contact Us form (this is found in the footer on web under the heading 'Contact Us', or in the menu if you're using the app); or find our more here at the Cancer Hub website:

Lastly, if you want to give feedback, we want to hear from you! Send us an email and introduce yourself here: online@canteen.org.au