Young Carers: Their Characteristics and Geographical Distribution

A Report to the National Affairs Research Scheme (NYARS) by the Social Policy Research Centre at the University of New South Wales.

Who are "Young Carers"

Stuart is 9 years old and lives alone with his mum who suffers depression. Sometimes when mum is depressed Stuart stays home from school to help take care of her. Last year Stuart missed 2 months of school caring for mum. Stuart worries about his mum a lot and just wants her to get better.

Young Carers are children and young people who help or take on the "caring" role in families where someone has an illness, disability, mental disorder or substance abuse problems. They might help out with cleaning or preparation of meals, assisting their relative with daily tasks, helping with medicines, showering, dressing, or by `watching out' to make sure that they're OK.

Across Australia, over 390,000 children and young people help care for their relatives. Many Young Carers say that caring can be a great thing to do, that they're proud of who they are and what they do, and that they have built up a whole swag of useful skills. However, Young Carers also say that caring affects how they feel, how much time they get to spend with friends, do their homework or hold down a job, and that often they need some help.

Young Carers, who provide significant care for a family member, are often unrecognised or `invisible' carers in our community and can be especially vulnerable. Click here to download a presentation on The Hidden 'Y' Generation

Northern Sydney Carer Support Service, Northern Sydney Central Coast Health, is committed to promoting and supporting the needs of Young Carers. We can provide information and resources, and support in advocating and accessing services that will help you. Contact us for information on 8877 5283.

There are a number of services established to help support the needs of Young Carers:

ARAFMI NSW
Bradfield Park Carers Program
Canteen - NSW
Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre - Young Carers Project
Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI)
The FAMI Project
Northern Sydney Young Carers Interagency
Young Carers NSW

Upcoming Events for Young Carers

For Bradfield Park upcoming events for Young Carers, click on the Bradfield Park link above.

Ku-ring-gai Youth Development Service (KYDS) and Hornsby Child & Adolescent Family Team (CAFT) - a joint initiative - are looking for applications of interest from young people aged 13 to 18 years of age who have a parent with a mental health issue for an upcoming Paying Attention to Self (PATS) group that will be run in Term 1 of 2010. The course is free-of-charge and will run for 8 weeks between 4.30pm - 6.00pm Thursdays at the Ku-ring-gai KYDS, 265 Pacific Highway, Lindfield. Transport costs can be refunded.
PATS is a peer support group, facilitated by youth workers, counsellors and psychologists, aimed at giving these young people the opportunity to learn more about mental health, explore ways of coping, and meet other teenagers who share similar experiences. Download the flyer by clicking on the link above, or for more information contact Lisa or Barbara (Hornsby CAFT) on 9024 9000 or David (KYDS) on 9416 9824.

ARAFMI NSW Young Carers
Bradfield Park Carers Program The Bradfield Park Carers Program is tailored to meet individual needs and promotes health and wellbeing for Young Carers of people with a mental illness and/or drug & alcohol abuse problems. Visit the Mental Health Carers section of this website for information on events and activities. For more information call Ruth Jacka, Coordinator 41 Alfred Street, Milsons Point 2061 Phone 8920 0675 or Fax 8920 0775 Email: bradfieldparkcoordinator@kncsydney.org What's coming up for Young Carers at Bradfield Park ... January 18th - 22nd 2010 - School Holiday Program for young people aged 8 - 12 years Summer Holiday Fun - Art and Drama Program. RSVP early to secure a place. Contact Ruth (details above). January 18th - 22nd 2010 - Summer Workshops for young people aged 13 - 18 years Summer Workshops - Learn how to be an MC from an award winning MC, learn rap dancing from two world champion rap dancers and learn about make up for the film industry. You can book a place in all of the above workshops or just one or two. Contact Ruth (details above). The above programs are only open to young people who have a family member with a mental health issue (depression, anxiety, drug & alcohol problem or autism).
CanTeen - NSW CanTeen runs activities such as day outings and camps for 12 - 24 yr old brothers, sisters and children of cancer patients. If you want to find out phone 9382 1563 or visit www.canteen.org.au www.nowwhat.org.au is a website by CanTeen for young carers whose parents or siblings have been diagnosed with cancer.
Northern Sydney Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre - Young Carers Program Offering short term and emergency respite options for carers. Freecall 1800 052 222 The Young Carers Project aims to support young people who are caring for someone who has a disability, is frail aged, or who has a severe mental or physical condition, or alcohol or drug dependence. Young carers who are completing their secondary education and may be having difficulty managing their studies as well as their caring responsibilities can access regular support such as: · Respite to have a break from caring tasks · Help arranged for around the house · Tutoring · Information and referrals For more information phone Free call 1800 052 222. Young Carers Project - Postcard
Children of Parents with Mental Illness (COPMI) Young Carers living with a parent who experiences a significant mental health disorder can be particularly vulnerable and, for a variety of reasons, have a significantly greater risk of developing a mental health program of their own compared with other children. Download COPMI Resources
The FAMI Project Families Affected by Mental Health Issues (FAMI) Project was established, in partnership with Northern Sydney Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, to support and promote the needs of children, young people (0-18yrs) and their families who are affected by one or both parents mental illness. The FAMI Project promotes key messages of resiliency, and increases the family's capacity to access the help and support they need through telephone counselling, referral, age appropriate resources and links to parenting support and Young Carer activities. Click the link for information about the FAMI Project or contact Megan Evans, Northern Sydney Carer Support Service on 8877 5283 or email mcevans@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Northern Sydney Young Carers Interagency The Northern Sydney Young Carers interagency was established to pull representative from key stakeholders together to promote the mental health and well being of children and young people 0-25 years, whose lives are affected by chronic illness or disability of a family member to: Identify and support young carers in the Northern Sydney region. Raise awareness and improve access to appropriate services and resources for this target group Facilitate cross-agency networking and partnerships. Contact Megan Evans, Northern Sydney Carer Support Service on 8877 5283 or email mcevans@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Young Carers NSW Young Carers NSW provides information, support, activities and more, for children and young people caring for a family member or friend. Free call 1800 242 636 Visit the Young Carers Website at www.youngcarersnsw.asn.au