National Carers Week is set to take place from October 15th to 21st, 2023, providing a platform to raise awareness about the 2.65 million Australians who selflessly provide care and support to their family members or friends. This year Your Side is putting a spotlight on young carers, people up to 25 years old, who dedicate their time and energy to assist family members or friends with disabilities, mental health challenges, chronic conditions, substance dependence, or frailty.
With over 235,000 young carers across Australia, it's crucial to acknowledge their essential role in caregiving. While many young carers find fulfilment in their responsibilities, it's important to recognise that inadequate support can adversely affect their health and wellbeing, schooling and pathways to employment and the time they have to socialise with friends.
Meet Cheryl, a 9-year-old Young Carer
Cheryl, a remarkable 9-year-old, is one such young carer. She helps care for her Mum, who struggles with anxiety, and her grandparents, both of whom have dementia. Cheryl assists with household chores, food preparation, and supports her grandparents with mobility. Despite the challenges, Cheryl finds comfort in helping those she loves.
She shared, "When I was little, my grandparents cared for me, and now I am caring for them. It's just really nice to help people you love. My favourite young carer activity has been camping. The Carer Gateway is a gate to happiness, friendship, and support, and I have made a lot of new friends. My family is really happy for me."
Meet Ben, a 15-year-old Young Carer
Ben, aged 15, plays a crucial caring role for his older brother, who has an intellectual disability, a responsibility he's embraced for the past four years. Balancing his caregiving duties with school was challenging for Ben, impacting his academic performance and social life. However, he found support through the young carers program offered by the Carer Gateway. Ben now receives tutoring, leading to improved school performance, and participates in numerous young carer social events.
"My grades have got heaps better at school and I go to a lot of young carer events which is cool. I loved the pizza-making event we did the most. If you are a young carer, you should check it out," said an enthusiastic Ben.
Your Side, as a Carer Gateway service provider, help young carers achieve their goals, offers tutoring to establish good study habits and balance school with caring responsibilities, can arrange respite so young carers can, organise counselling and peer support sessions, look into upskilling and employment pathways courses and even assist with driving lessons!
James O’Keefe, Young Carer Consultant at Carer Gateway, said, "The young carers program supports carers under the age of 25. It can help relieve pressures at school, stress at home, and help young carers find work. And it is fun!"
National Carers Week 2023 aims to shine a light on the invaluable contributions of young carers like Cheryl and Ben and the support available to them through the Carer Gateway.
To learn more or access these services, visit www.carergateway.gov.au or call 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm local time.
Let's come together to recognise, celebrate, and support young carers across Australia during National Carers Week 2023.
Your Side’s Community Engagement Team will also be attending various events throughout Carers Week to chat to people and carers more about the Carer Gateway so they can sign-up for support.
See the full EVENT CALENDER here
Local events include:
Monday 16
Glen St Library
Information desk: 10am - 1pm
Cnr Glen Street and, Blackbutts Rd, Frenchs Forest
Mona Vale Library
Information desk:10am - 1pm
1 Park St, Mona Vale
Tuesday 17
Warringah Mall Library
Information desk: 10am - 1pm
Shop 650/145 Old Pittwater Rd, Brookvale
Northern Beaches Council Carers Week Webinar - 7pm - 8pm: Online
This is your opportunity to hear about the Carer Gateway, a free Government initiative supporting unpaid carers who look after someone with a disability, mental health condition, medical condition or someone who is frail aged.
Support services include respite (emergency and planned), counselling, peer support, life coaching and tailored packages to support your individual needs.
Book online here: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1103085
Wednesday 18
Manly Library
Information desk: 10am - 1pm
1 Market Pl, Manly
Warringah Mall Library presentation: 10am - 12:30pm
Shop 650/145 Old Pittwater Rd, Brookvale
Join us and WayAhead to learn more about our services.
The WayAhead Mental Health Information Service helps you access mental health information and resources in your local community and beyond. WayAhead also offers anxiety support groups for people living with anxiety issues, their carers, and family and friends.
Carer Gateway is a free national Government initiative for unpaid carers. Support services include respite (emergency and planned), counselling, peer support, life coaching and tailored packages to support your individual needs.
Book online here: events.humanitix.com/accessing-support-for-carers
Thursday 19
Forestville Library
Information desk: 10am - 1pm
6 Darley St, Forestville
Dee Why Library
Information desk: 10am - 1pm
725 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why
Carers morning tea at Warriewood: 10:30am - 1:30pm
2 Boondah Road, Warriewood
The morning will be an opportunity to have some fun, connect with other carers, and find useful information, featuring:
- A performance by comedian Gary Eck
- A presentation about the Carer Gateway from Kiersten Jones
- Lucky door prizes and giveaways
- And a yummy morning tea with plenty of time to socialise with other carers
Places are limited so bookings essential. Book online here: www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1101395
