The Childhood Cancer Association is dedicated to providing ongoing and practical support to children with cancer and their families. All support to member families is provided at no cost, and designed to assist in making the cancer experience easier for the entire family.
Hospital Visitation Program
Visits to families in the Women's and Children's Hospital are conducted by the Childhood Cancer Association's trained Counsellors, between 11am-12pm, on weekdays. This is an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have, arrange various services (e.g. counselling, massage therapy, wheelchair loans) or to simply have a chat and distraction whilst you are in hospital.
How to access hospital visits on the Michael Rice Centre for Haematology and Oncology ward:
- Should you like a visit please place a tick in the box for the Childhood Cancer Association, on the menu provided to you in the morning.
- We will then be informed by the ward clerk if you would like a visit.
- Alternatively if the scheduled time (11am-12pm) doesn't suit your schedule please let us know, or alternatively ask the nursing staff to contact us and an alternative visit can be arranged.
How to access a hospital visit in the clinic or in other areas of the hospital:
We understand that there is limited privacy in the clinic area and other areas of the hospital. Therefore, we only conduct visits to these locations at the request of a family. Should you like a visit please let us know, by either telephone or email or by asking the nursing staff to contact us on (08) 8239 2211.
SIBS (Super Important Brothers & Sisters)
A diagnosis of childhood cancer can affect the entire family. Siblings may experience a number of changes within the family, including spending more time with extended family members or friends, not being able to play with their brother or sister in ways that they are used to and they may be required to take on new or extra responsibilities.
Children may process their feelings quite differently from adults, which means they may not be able to identify or verbalise the impact that their sibling's cancer diagnosis may be having. Some children may continue with their daily activities and the cancer diagnosis for their brother or sister may have little impact. Other children may experience a wide variety of emotions including anger or jealousy that their unwell sibling is receiving more attention or more of Mum and Dad's time. They may be scared about the changes in their family or be confused about what is happening to their brother or sister. Sometimes, this experience is compounded because they are unable to find the words to ask questions or express how they are feeling.
In recognition of the changes to a family and the sibling's experiences, the Childhood Cancer Association runs the Super Important Brothers & Sisters (SIBS) program for children aged 5-12 years. SIBS is run four times a year in the school holidays.
SIBS offers siblings access to ongoing support while encouraging peer support and friendships between children in the group. The sessions are designed to offer emotional support, practical coping strategies, and an understanding of specific issues facing siblings of children with cancer in a fun environment. It is hoped that the tools learnt in the group will assist the children in developing resilience and building self-esteem, to support them through the cancer journey and beyond.
The sessions are conducted in various venues around Adelaide in a fun environment and include, arts/craft and special activities.
Eligibility criteria
The SIBS group is suitable for the following children:
- Children aged between 5 and 12 years
- Have a brother/sister with a childhood cancer
- Would benefit from some assistance with coping with the changes that occur as a result of having a sibling diagnosed with cancer
2024 Diary Dates
- Wednesday, 17 April
- Wednesday, 10 July
- Wednesday, 2 October
- Tuesday, 17 December
For further information or to register your child/ren please contact the Family Service Team on (08) 8239 2211 or via the Contact Us page.
Family Support Pack
When a family is referred to the Childhood Cancer Association they will receive a Family Support Pack. This includes practical and support items such as toiletries, a diary, compendium, digital thermometer and family entertainment passes.
Additionally, the child with cancer will receive an Elliot, the Association's mascot and friend to children with cancer and their families.
Supported by:
Relapse Pack
The Relapse Packs are given to families should a child relapse. It contains items such as a photographic and dinner voucher, and replacement items such as a diary and toiletries if required.
Supported by:
Other Family Support
Financial Assistance
The Childhood Cancer Association recognises that when a child is diagnosed with cancer, this can place extra financial pressure on a family. Limited financial assistance is available to families who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of a childhood cancer diagnosis in the family. Financial assistance covers bills such as utility bills, car registration and Ambulance Cover. This support is coordinated through your Social Worker at the Women's and Children's Hospital (WCH).
For any queries regarding financial assistance, please speak directly to your WCH Social Worker.
Child Minding
Child minding for the child with cancer and/or their siblings is available usually within the Women's & Children's Hospital. This enables parents to take a break from the hospital and/or attend to domestic duties outside of the hospital (e.g. take part in school meetings, pay bills, attend medical appointments etc.). All child minders are volunteers and are required to undergo appropriate screening and training.
To arrange a child minder, please speak to your Social Worker, nurse or contact the Family Service Team direct on (08) 8239 2211.