Social Support & Peer Relationships

"It was a whole new adjustment my friends had to make as well when I was going through my cancer journey"
AYA patient

Below are a number of booklets with information that you can give to your whānau and friends to help them know how to support you

Please note these are not all from New Zealand. If you have any questions or would like more information please contact your AYA Keyworker.

Printable Resources

Support Directory

Whole Lotta Life Organisation | wholelottalife.org
The Whole Lotta Life Organisation runs regional meet-ups, yearly retreats, and provides an online presence through social media channels for young adults diagnosed with cancer between 20 and 45 years.

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ (LBC) | leukaemia.org.nz
LBC runs young adult focused support programmes for young people going through similar experiences.

CanTeen canteen.org.nz
CanTeen can provide a range of personalised supports and opportunities to ensure young people with a diagnosis of cancer maintain social links and activities with their peers and with others going through a similar experience.

Heidi Watson

The Clinical Leader is responsible for providing clinical leadership and national oversight of the network .

Heidi is a passionate and experienced health professional with a strong clinical, education and leadership background. Her enthusiasm for, and commitment to youth health has focused on improving the outcomes of youth with cancer and chronic health conditions. Previously, Heidi held the position of AYA Cancer Nurse Specialist for Auckland District Health Board. Alongside her AYA clinical leadership role she holds a youth health academic position at the University of Auckland.