Canteen Connect 

Thanks to the power of technology, rangatahi all around Aotearoa are able to feel less isolated while they are navigating a challenging situation. Our unique online platform, Canteen Connect, allows rangatahi to connect with their peers and counsellors no matter where they are located in the country. This 24/7 online community is a space where rangatahi can access cancer support services, join online events and socialise with others, all from the comfort of their own home or the hospital while undergoing treatment, creating a sense of belonging. 

“Canteen has been a massive support.”   

Dayna’s Story 

At just 17 years old, Dayna’s world turned upside down when she was diagnosed with a rare carcinoid tumour in her left lung. After battling 12 bouts of pneumonia, Dayna found out about the diagnosis after a specialist appointment and life as she knew it changed in the blink of an eye. 

Dayna struggled to cope with the unexpected diagnosis and found it difficult to navigate her new normal. While she was focused on getting her old life back on track, she slowly fell out of touch with her school and friends and felt like she no longer fit in the way she did before. She also missed out on active classes, like sports and dance, leadership opportunities and scholarships for her education. She felt like no one could relate to or understand what she was going through. This feeling of isolation led Dayna to find much-needed support with Canteen. 

At Canteen Aotearoa, Dayna found that she could confide in a whole network of peers who understood exactly what she was going through, and she received amazing guidance from her Psychosocial Support Worker. Thanks to these vital cancer support services, Dayna learnt coping strategies and more effective ways to deal with the tough stuff she was experiencing. 

Read Dayna’s full story here. 

H2: Supporting the Future of Rangatahi 

A common issue that many young rangatahi aged 12 to 18 face after finding out about their cancer diagnosis is falling behind in school work and struggling to stay socially connected. Life as they know it ultimately changes overnight, and they are faced with unique challenges. 

Rangatahi shouldn’t have to miss out on the joys of learning and socialising while prioritising and undergoing their cancer treatments. We know that they have a significant desire to stay connected, which is why we created a special programme called the Robots Project.

It’s easy to use, and the Kubi app keeps rangatahi connected to their classrooms, schoolwork and friends in real time. They can attend classes and participate in learning activities and don’t have to worry about missing out on having fun with their peers. Thanks to generous donations from the community and our supporters, we are able to plan and develop creative initiatives like the Robots Project. 

Your contributions play a vital role in allowing us to plan for the future of rangatahi cancer support care, and with your support, we can continue to make a positive difference. 

Donate, Fundraise & Get Involved Now 

You can donate, become a fundraiser, or be a voice for rangatahi, who rely on our continued support. Every dollar makes a huge difference, and you should know that no matter how you choose to get involved, your efforts don’t go unnoticed.  

Get in touch with our friendly team if you want to learn about more ways to get involved with Canteen Aotearoa.