Carers can be any age.

Children and young adults (under 25 years of age) are called young carers. Young carers provide support to someone with a chronic illness or disability, such as Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD).

These carers play a vital role in helping their loved ones. They often take on a wide range of tasks, including providing emotional support, assisting with mobility, administering medications, doing housework, paying bills, and helping with personal care tasks.

Young carers face unique challenges, including balancing their caregiving responsibilities with school, work, and social activities. They may experience emotional stress, feelings of isolation, and a lack of understanding from peers and teachers. Additionally, the fluctuating nature of YOPD can make caregiving unpredictable and demanding. Many young carers face a lack of support networks, participate in fewer recreational opportunities, stigma, financial disadvantage, and fewer employment opportunities.

Key Facts

  • Young carers are individuals up to 25 years old who provide unpaid care and support to family members or friends with a disability, chronic illness, mental health issues, or who are frail aged
  • There are over 391,300 young carers in Australia
  • Two-thirds of young primary carers are caring for a parent. Young women and young people from CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) or Indigenous backgrounds are more likely to be young carers.

References: www.carersaustralia.com.au

If your child is in need of immediate support, you can ring 000 or the Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25).

Programs are available to support young carers, including respite services, referrals, information, and counselling. You can get information on whether there is a young carers group near you contacting Carers Australia or your state or territory carers organisation. Young carers also have the Young Carers Network and Young Carers bursary to help with costs of schooling. Make sure you register them on the Carer’s Gateway to access services and supports.

ReachOut offers a wide range of support options that allow young people (under 25) to engage in the ways they want to, when they want to:

The Young Carers Network (YCN) is a nationally coordinated resource that raises young carers’ awareness, provides information, and directs them to appropriate support pathways.

The Young Carer Bursary is a helping hand. It’s money Carers Australia give to young carers (aged between 12 and 25 years old) to make life a bit easier while you’re studying and caring for someone. Applications open in Sept/Oct each year.