The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Children’s Cancer Centre (CCC) will be able to continue its long-The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Children’s Cancer Centre (CCC) will be able to continue its long-standing art therapy program for children and young people undergoing cancer treatment thanks to the generosity of the Good Friday Appeal. Embedded within the broader CARES (4 Kids): Cancer Allied Health Resources, Education and Supportive Care program, art therapy has been instrumental in supporting cancer patients’ mental health and overall wellbeing during what can be a long and challenging journey.

Art therapy provides children with the space, time, and tools to process their experiences in a way that feels safe and manageable. Using a range of materials – from painting, drawing, clay to slime and other tactile mediums – children are supported to express emotions that they may not have the words for.

“For younger children, it’s often difficult to put what they feel into words. Art therapy offers them that space. Even older adolescents really engage in using different materials and textures to explore what’s happening to them,” Cinzia explained.

A key part of the therapeutic process is also choice and control, something that can be limited for children in a hospital setting.

“It’s really up to the child to decide what they’d like to do in that session and how they’d like to engage. There’s a lot happening to them that’s beyond their control, so having a sense of agency is really important,” Cinzia highlighted.

The program will also continue to support both inpatients and outpatients across the CCC, including children undergoing bone marrow transplants who may be isolated for long periods, as well as those receiving treatment primarily as outpatients.

“We want to make sure there’s equity in the service provided. Some patients, like those with brain tumours, have most of their treatment as outpatients, so it’s really important that art therapy is available to them as well,” Cinzia shared.

The impact of art therapy is profound and even extends beyond the individual child, supporting families through a trauma-informed, family-centred approach. In some cases, parents and siblings are involved, and in palliative settings, it can be extremely important for memory making.

“It’s really about providing the best care for young people and their families, ensuring we’re looking after the whole person and the whole child,” Cinzia further emphasised.

The continuation of the art therapy program is made possible through the support of the Good Friday Appeal, which are helping fund the specialist roles required to deliver this essential psychosocial care.

“We don’t think we can provide medical care without the psychosocial care aligned with it,” Cinzia said.

“Art therapy is incredibly valued by parents and young people, and having the funding for these positions is critical. We are thankful for the Good Friday Appeal for allowing this program to continue,” she concluded.

“Programs such as Art Therapy play a vital role in the CCC by providing children and families with a meaningful outlet to express their emotional and psychological needs.

We are truly grateful to the Good Friday Appeal and the community that is helping them support this program. Thanks to them, we are able to support patients as they adjust to and cope with the challenges of cancer and its treatment. .”

–  Dr Marty Campbell, Acting Director, Children’s Cancer Centre & Dr Cinzia De Luca, Clinical Neuropsychologist, The Royal Children’s Hospital

Last updated February 2026