Stockland helps social workers to stay connected with children with cancer and their families

Stockland, one of Australia’s largest community creators, is helping social workers remain connected with children facing cancer and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the unprecedented nationwide lockdown, Stockland has provided 21 laptops to Redkite, Australia’s leading children’s cancer support charity to keep their support services running.

This generous act has meant that Redkite’s team of social workers have been able to continue to provide vital cancer support services like counselling and financial assistance to families across the country in self-isolation.

The team have also used the laptops to implement Redkite’s first video digital counselling service.

For Sam Dent, one of Redkite's social workers, who is now working from his home in Brisbane, the laptop has allowed him to continue to support families where and when they need it the most.

“Coronavirus presents an even greater risk to children facing cancer who have a compromised immunity, and their families are facing enormous additional pressures during what was already the toughest time imaginable.

“Thanks to Stockland’s generous support, the counselling sessions I would have had with families face-to-face, I can now hold in the safety of our respective homes over a secure video link. I am still connected with my clients during this extremely challenging time,” Sam said.

Since 2015, the Stockland CARE Foundation has partnered with Redkite, contributing more than $1 million in funding towards the delivery of cancer support services.

Amy Hogan, Stockland Head of Sustainability, said she was incredibly proud to be able to support a charity that supports families facing cancer.

“At Stockland, we build communities, and we embrace projects and organisations that improve the health, wellbeing and education of communities. We have great admiration for the fantastic work that the team at Redkite do every day to help children and their families.

Redkite’s CEO, Ms Monique Keighery, said she was extremely grateful for Stockland’s support. 

“I keep hearing that coronavirus doesn’t present a real danger to kids. But for our kids, kids with cancer, COVID-19 presents a very real and potentially deadly risk,” Ms Keighery said.

Ms Keighery said parents were being overwhelmed by concern for the health of their vulnerable and immunocompromised child, hit with job losses and business closures when they can least afford it, and stressed by being separated from their support networks like grandparents and friends.

“Thanks to Stockland’s support, we’re able to continue to provide a lifeline for those families when other face-to-face support services can’t be delivered anymore,” Ms Keighery said.

To join Stockland in their support of Redkite, you can donate at: www.redkite.org.au/donate