The Lyone Foundation’s support of Redkite’s counselling service is a crucial initiative that has provided much-needed support to children with cancer and their siblings. Research shows that diagnosed children frequently experience significant psychological distress and many experience post-traumatic stress with long-lasting effects on the mental health and wellbeing of the whole family.

Redkite launched a national counselling service specifically tailored to the needs of diagnosed children and their siblings. The service provides cancer-specific, age-appropriate support to relieve fear, anxiety, distress, depression and feelings of isolation, build resilience and help children adjust to a “new normal” once cancer treatment finishes. The $50,000 donation from the Lyone Foundation provided over 160 one-hour counselling sessions, making a significant difference in the lives of the families that Redkite supports.

Redkite is an established and well-respected organisation that has been providing support to families affected by childhood cancer in Australia for almost 40 years. Their services are comprehensive, addressing the financial, practical, and emotional needs of families throughout and beyond treatment. The launch of their national counselling service is an exciting development that demonstrates their commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring that their services meet the changing needs of families. The support of the Lyone Foundation will help Redkite to continue to provide high-quality services to families affected by childhood cancer.

The impact of the Lyone Foundation’s support of Redkite’s counselling service will extend far beyond the families that receive the counselling sessions. By raising awareness of the importance of emotional and mental health support for children and siblings affected by cancer, this initiative has the potential to create positive change across the broader community. The long-term mental health and wellbeing of diagnosed children and their families is a critical issue that deserves attention and investment, and the support of the Lyone Foundation is an important step in the right direction.

Update

Every year, over 1100 Australian families receive the devastating news that their child has cancer. During these tough times, a child and their family need stability, counselling, and practical assistance to guide them. Redkite offers these families a lifeline by providing essential support throughout diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.

The Lyone Foundation's donation of $20,000 has been put towards counselling services for diagnosed children and their siblings. The emotional and mental health impacts of childhood cancer are understandably substantial, and Redkite is dedicated to supporting the long-term well-being of these children and their siblings.

Trained social workers provide counselling to children both individually and in groups by phone and video conference. Redkite expects to support over 75 children nationally, with The Lyone Foundation's funds providing over 160 one-hour counselling sessions to children and their siblings.