Program for young carers to take time out

24 March 2015

With the school holidays approaching, it is not just parents who are planning activities for the kids.

Alfred Health Carer Services - Young Carer Program provides respite, support and school holiday programs for carers aged under 25 years.

There are 388,800 young carers in Australia and 18,800 of these are primary carers.

Mental Health & Young Carers Program co-ordinator Beth Dunlop said some of these young carers are integral in helping their families function.

"When there is illness in a family or siblings with health problems or disabilities, it is not uncommon to have a young carer help out. They may help with the cooking, cleaning, helping with mobility, showering and dressing," Beth said.

Like any carer, these young carers require some respite and support.

"While many young carers tell us that caring for a relative or friend can be a very positive experience, making them feel closer to their families and more independent, they can also experience high levels of stress and anxiety," Beth explained.

"During school holidays we provide them with an opportunity to have time out from their caring role, meet other young carers and have fun."

Activities running during the school holidays include swimming with dolphins.

Facts

  • Every school has young carers, on average 2 or 3 in every class
  • 17% of carers in Australia are under 26 years of age; and
  • In Australia, almost 4% of young people under 18 are carers, with one-in-ten teenagers caring for someone in their family. Many of these young people wouldn't think of themselves as a young carer because what they do is just part of their normal daily life and routine.

Alfred Health Carer Services provides support for carers in Melbourne's Southern Metropolitan Region including Port Phillip, Stonnington, Glen Eira, Bayside, Kingston, Greater Dandenong, Casey, Frankston, Cardinia and the Mornington Peninsula.

If you are, or know a young person with caring responsibilities, and would like some more information, please contact Alfred Health Carer Services on 1800 052 222.