Challenge Cancer Support Network Inc
A not-for-profit organization providing year-round, free support to children and families affected by cancer, offering emotional, practical assistance, holiday accommodations, and community events to enhance quality of life.
West Melbourne, VIC (view contact and location information)
ABN: 31030070820
Founded on ,
registered as a charity on the
ACNC Charity Register
since .
How This Charity Supports the Community
Challenge Cancer Support Network Inc is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children and families living with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders throughout their journey. Operating every day of the year, Challenge provides free and immediate assistance aimed at easing the practical, social, and emotional challenges faced by its members. The organisation’s support extends from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond, ensuring continuous care and connection for families navigating this difficult path.
Mission and Vision
Challenge’s mission is to lighten the cancer journey for children and their families by delivering personalised, practical, and compassionate support services. It envisions a community where no child or family faces cancer alone, fostering resilience, hope, and quality of life despite the hardships of illness.
Main Objectives
- Provide comprehensive support addressing emotional, social, and practical needs of children and families affected by cancer.
- Offer accessible services that are free of charge and tailored to individual family circumstances.
- Advocate for improved cancer care and support systems through leadership and community engagement.
- Create inclusive environments that respect cultural and religious diversity among families.
- Innovate continuously to enhance and expand support programs based on community feedback and research.
Benefiting Groups
Challenge supports children aged 18 years and under diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders. The organisation also includes their parents, siblings, and extended family members as part of its membership, recognising the impact of cancer on the entire family unit.
Services and Activities
- Hospital support with dedicated staff visits, entertainment, and therapeutic activities to improve the hospital experience.
- Recreational programs such as camps, playgroups, music and art therapy, and activity days to promote wellbeing and social connection.
- Family support including home help, holiday accommodation, transport assistance, and parent retreats to reduce stress and provide respite.
- Educational scholarships for children and young people to support their academic and creative development.
- Bereavement services offering counselling, social groups, and retreats to support families through loss.
Explore the Work of Challenge Cancer Support Network Inc Through Images and Stories
Discover how Challenge Cancer Support Network Inc creates safer communities through their work. Visit their social media channels to follow their daily efforts, updates, and inspiring stories making a real impact.
All photos and videos are © Challenge Cancer Support Network Inc and have been sourced from their official website.
Challenge Cancer Support: From Camping to Comprehensive Family Care
This video shows Challenge’s evolution from a camping program to a comprehensive support centre for families facing childhood cancer.
The video explores how they support entire family units – children, siblings, parents, and grandparents – through massage services, play groups, family retreat houses, and hospital dinners, helping heal the cracks that cancer diagnosis creates in families.
© Challenge Cancer Support Network Inc. View video in a new window.
Art Therapy at Challenge: Healing Through Creativity
Karen, Challenge’s art therapist, explains how art therapy blends counselling and creative expression. Perfect for children and teenagers who lack vocabulary to express feelings, sessions involve painting, drawing, sculpting, and play.
This non-verbal therapy helps during times of uncertainty and stress, offering relaxation and self-soothing through creative activities at home or the Challenge centre.
© Challenge Cancer Support Network Inc. View video in a new window.
Challenge Family Coordinators Provide Comprehensive Hospital Support for Childhood Cancer Families
Challenge family coordinators at Monash Children’s Hospital offer extensive support services for families facing childhood cancer diagnoses. Staff members like Carrie, Renee, and Olivia provide daily assistance including entertainment equipment, celebrity visits, parental respite through date nights and retreats, art and music therapy, haircuts, and practical accommodation.
The programme operates year-round, activating multiple support services to help families navigate their challenging journey with comprehensive care and understanding.
© Challenge Cancer Support Network Inc. View video in a new window.
Support Challenge Cancer Support Network Inc Through Donations
Support the charity’s vital work by making a donation. Every contribution helps them continue their mission.
Their official Australian Business Number (ABN) is 31030070820 for your reference.
See FAQs about donating to Challenge Cancer Support Network Inc:
What types of donations do they accept?
Can donations be made in honour of someone?
What are the available preset donation amounts?
How does the eCard feature work?
What personal details do donors need to provide?
Can donors specify if their contribution supports a particular program?
Which payment methods do they accept?
Are donations tax deductible?
Supporting Those Affected by Cancer: Volunteer Opportunities Available Now
Challenge Cancer Support Network Inc. relies on the generous spirit of its community of volunteers, who are the lifeblood of the organisation. Volunteers take on varied roles, from acting as camp leaders to assisting in fundraising events or performing essential administrative tasks. Such contributions are crucial in delivering the organisation’s extensive range of services.
Volunteering opportunities are available virtually every day, highlighting the significant impact volunteers have on the day-to-day operations of Challenge. Training sessions for volunteers are held throughout the year to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles.
Those interested in joining the Challenge family by volunteering must be at least 18 years old. The application process encourages individuals to share their skills and dedication, making a genuine difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
Volunteer Requirements - Working with Children
As this charity works with children under 18 years of age, the organisation requires all volunteers to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) before commencing any volunteer activities.
This is a mandatory requirement to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children in their care.
Visit Challenge Cancer Support Network Inc’s official website to explore volunteering opportunities and how you can get involved.
Contact Challenge Cancer Support Network Inc and Follow Their Work
Follow this charity on their social media channels. Stay updated with the latest news, events, and inspiring stories to see how they make a difference every day.
Get in touch with this charity for details, support or collaboration.
529-535 King St
West Melbourne VIC 3003
Australia
Source of information and last update date:
The information on this profile has been sourced from the ACNC Registered Charities dataset and the organisation’s own website.
The last review was completed on
.
Please see our disclaimer for more details.