Victorian/Tasmanian Youth Cancer Action Advocates (YCAA)

YCAA consists of young people diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 25 years of age. Each member has had a diagnosis and/or treatment in the last five years. 

YCAA are eligible for membership for any length of time, up until their 30th birthday. They may be:

• YCAB members who have completed their term and/or want a more flexible approach to youth participation
• Young people who applied for YCAB but were unsuccessful in obtaining a position
• Any young person wishing to engage in advocacy work in this way

There is no formal recruitment process for YCAA. We invite young people to register their interest anytime via the link below. Our Youth Participation Coordinator and/or Facilitator will be in touch. 

The YCAA aims to improve experiences and outcomes for young people with cancer, and their support networks. It was set up in 2020 as an extra mechanism to the Youth Cancer Action Board (YCAB).  

While YCAB members act as a collective in representing the views of young people, YCAA members take on roles as individual consumers. This may be through formal or informal roles/opportunities, such as: 

• Completing surveys
• Participating in individual interviews or focus groups/group interviews
• Telling your story through public speaking or media opportunities
• Attending Youth Cancer Action meetups or forums
• Assisting with the development of resources/information
• Providing feedback/advice on health services or other initiatives for young people
• Being a representative on a board, committee or working group
• Assisting with the development or delivery of education and training for healthcare professionals
• Reviewing or advising on youth cancer-related policies, plans, programs and services 
• Advising/Participating in research or other opportunities for sharing opinions, views and experiences about young people affected by cancer in Victoria and Tasmania

Members opt in for specific projects or opportunities based on their availability and interests.

YCAA is governed by Peter Mac and reports to the Victorian AYA Cancer Service (AYA team). They in turn report to the Victorian Department of Health. 

There are no formal, regular meetings for the YCAA. The AYA team receives and assesses opportunities, then offers them to YCAA members. Allocation depends on members' stated availability and interests. Opportunities may also be communicated via an e-newsletter. We also use the e-newsletter to share:

• Opportunities to engage with other YCAA members and YCAB
• Education and training 
• Other information that may be of interest

Once engaged in an activity, communication between the YCAA member and AYA team occurs as needed. This depends on the parameters of the activity and support required. Communication may be via email, phone or face-to-face/virtual meetings as needed. 

YCAA is supported by our Youth Participation Coordinator and Facilitator. 

Members of YCAA undertake to:

• Represent young Victorians and Tasmanians affected by cancer as individual consumers
• Engage in youth participation opportunities in alignment with personal availability and interests. This may include liaison and/or collaboration with YCAB or other YCAA members

The AYA team undertakes to: 

• Provide education, training and mentoring to YCAA as a whole
• Arrange and pay for any required travel, venues, accommodation and food
• Disseminate all communications as appropriate and provide extra support as needed

 
We provide YCAA members with tailored education and training as needed to support them in their advocacy. This may occur at any point in their term of office, as the need arises. Topics may include (but are not limited to):

• The AYA cancer context  
• Services supporting young people with cancer and their family 
• The meaning of youth advocacy 

We also recognise that YCAA members may encounter triggering or distressing situations in their roles. This could be discussions or materials they find confronting, or someone becoming unwell. In such circumstances, the AYA team will provide tailored emotional support. Suitable referral pathways will also be provided as required.