At Carers ACT, we know that being a young carer can be a rewarding experience but it can also be overwhelming at times, trying to balance study, friends and caring. Regardless of age, no carer has to go it alone.

Who are Young Carers?

Young carers are people up to the age of 25 years old who help a family member who has ongoing health issues, a disability or a mental illness. Often, the family member is a parent, a sibling  or a grandparent.

Many young carers perform tasks not normally undertaken by others in their age group. Responsibilities can include shopping, cooking meals, looking after younger siblings, doing housework, helping with mobility, providing emotional supports, taking care of medications, managing family finances, helping communicate and personal care.

A young carer may not be the main person who looks after their relative, but they usually have extra responsibilities at home compared to other people their age. Each young carer helps their family in different ways.

How We Can Help Young Carers

We can help you by:

• giving you information and advice;
• offering scholarships and assistance with education costs;
• referring you to counselling and/or support groups;
• arranging short-term replacement care so you can have a break;
• organising groups and activities with other young carers.

If you are a school-aged young carer struggling with the balance of your caring role and managing your school life, we can help by:

• organising tuition to help with school work;
• assisting young carers to attend school activities;
• working with teachers to help students balance their caring role and schoolwork;
• talking to your school about young carers;
• helping your school form a young carers group.

These information sheets for school-aged carers cover a range of topics and are full of helpful tips, advice and information for accessing supports and dealing with friends, teachers and doctors.

Teachers Guide to Young Carers