Siblings as Young Carers

Who are Young Carers Young carers are children or young people under 25 years of age who provide care and support for a family member who has a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, is ageing, or has an alcohol or other drug problem. They may be the main support or be sharing the caring responsibilities with others.

What do you carers do? Household duties cooking cleaning shopping babysitting laundry paying bills Personal care mobility transport managing money Interpreting self care showering medications Emotional support keeping an eye on someone providing reassurance problem solving attending appointments

Did you know? There are an estimated 2 – 3 young carers in every classroom Estimated young carers in Australia 6 – 10 % young people aged under 25 years have caring responsibilities That about 40% of young carers are boys

How does caring affect a young persons life? Education How they see themselves Health and wellbeing Skills development Financial Family and relationships Social Employment – career choices Transition to adulthood

Young Carers Program In-home respite during the school terms to complete their studies Respite to undertake activities such as study for exams, recreations and training. One to one support young carer activities Education and training for services and schools Contact for your local program There is a program in every region of Australia

“GIVE ME 5” Is a monthly break for YOUNG CARERS & TEEN SIBLINGS Brought to you by the gang from the T.I.M.E. Out Sibling Program at Melbourne City mission and the Young Carers Program at CarerLinks North….. WHEN: the last Thursday of every month 4.30 pm – 7.30 pm WHERE: Merrilands Community Centre (PRACE) Crn. Asquith & Sturdee St, Reservoir (Melways pg 8, H12) 1 minute from the Metro. Ring Road, Mahoneys Rd, Keon Pde, and High St.

“Is Everything OK at the OK Corral?” Movie Mayhem event HIGHLIGHTING THE ROLE OF TEEN SIBLINGS & YOUNG CARERS IN OUR COMMUNITY Planning and scripting: Thursday 25 March 2010 Filming: Tuesday 6 April 2010 at the Wild West Set in the bush at Kattemingga Lodge near Daylesford Premiere night in Youth Week: Thursday 15 April 2010 Part of youth week 2010 Primary partnerships: Melbourne City Mission (Sibling Program) Purple Soup and Commonwealth Respite and Carerlink Centre Northern Region (Merri CHS)

For Information and Referrals Please contact: Your local Young Carer Program at The Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre in your region on