Youth participation

Opportunities for young people to influence change and how to engage our network

group of youth cancer advocates standing in two rows

Young people are the most powerful advocates for their own needs and have the right to meaningfully participate in shaping the services they access. 

The Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Service proudly works alongside young people to strengthen their voice across the Victorian cancer sector, and has developed a Youth Participation Framework that draws on best practice and international guidance to promote impactful youth engagement at every level of service development and delivery. 

Youth Cancer Action Program 

The Youth Cancer Action Program is a youth participation and engagement initiative providing a range of opportunities for young people to be involved in the design, delivery and evaluation of health services relevant to them. It currently comprises the Youth Cancer Action Board (YCAB) and the Youth Cancer Action Advocates (YCAA), which together form the Youth Cancer Action Network

All members of the Network receive appropriate education, training and support through the Victorian AYA Cancer Service.  

YCA mission and vision

 Information for healthcare professionals

Information for young people

 

Youth Participation and Engagement Internship Program 

The Youth Participation Internship is offered periodically as an exciting opportunity for a young person with a cancer experience to gain knowledge, skills and experience to support a future career pathway in a relevant discipline such as youth work, social work, community services or health promotion. Working alongside AYA Cancer Centre researchers, clinical specialists and workforce educators, the intern is involved in a range of activities aimed at supporting the engagement of young people in youth cancer initiatives.  

Applications for the Youth Participation & Engagement Internship are currently closed; information regarding future opportunities will be posted here when available. 

For more information on our Youth Participation Framework or the above programs:
Contact Ilana Berger, Victorian AYA Cancer Service Team Leader and Youth Participation Coordinator, on (03) 8559 6880 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

AYA web lock up