Youth advocacy is a way to ensure that young people have a genuine seat at the table when it comes to issues that affect their lives.
The Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service recognises that young people are the most powerful advocates for their own needs. They deserve the right to:
- Play an active role in shaping the services they access
- Influence policies and research priorities relevant to them
We support young people in a range of ways to use their voices and experience. This influences how we and other health services deliver care to young people and their families.
How it works
Our Youth Cancer Action Network (YCAN) is a diverse group of young people. They are united by a shared experience of cancer, and a desire to:
- Improve the experience for others
- Reduce the impacts of cancer and its treatment on young lives
We empower and support members to take on roles as youth representatives, either formal or informal, and provide advice and guidance on youth-related cancer programs and initiatives.
YCAN consists of two groups, each offering different ways to help improve the experiences, services, and outcomes of young people with cancer, now and into the future.
Youth Cancer Action Board (YCAB)
A formalised, 12-member board of young people who provide advice and guidance to government and the broader health and community sectors. The board meet six times a year to discuss their work.
Youth Cancer Action Advocates (YCAA)
Advocates receive a regular newsletter with opportunities that they can opt into. Designed to be a more flexible approach to youth participation and advocacy work. YCAA members take on roles as individual consumers.
Interested in getting involved?
As part of the network, you will have the chance to:
- Make a difference in the lives of other AYA with cancer
- Learn new skills
- Improve career opportunities
- Meet new people
Complete the registration form
Contact us via the link above if you’d like to be part of the Youth Cancer Action Network in some way. Select which group you would like to join and a member of our Youth Voice team will be in touch to discuss opportunities that fit your goals and interests.
