Are You A Young Carer?

Up to age 25

Take the quiz:

Two young boys staring through a window in a house. The older boy has his arm around the younger boy.
 

  • Are you under 25 years of age?

  • Do you help take care of or support someone in your household who has a disability, mental illness, chronic (long-term) illness, aged related condition, or someone who is dying?

  • Do you worry about leaving the person you care for at home by themselves?

  • Do you get a sore back from lifting the person you care for?

  • Do you feel like you sometimes don’t get to do normal things with your friends?

  • Do you feel too tired to hang out with your friends or do your school work?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, you might be a young carer - and we can help support you in a number of ways:

  • Connecting you with free supports and services.

  • Connecting you with other young carers who may be going through a similar situation.

  • Get access to free events and school holiday programs.

Australian young carers

You may think that you’re too young to be a carer, but anyone can be a carer.

Click play on the video to watch these young carers from all over Australia share about their caring journey.

 

We can help
young carers like you

Did you know…?

 

1

Young carers don’t see themselves as carers

There are more than 71,600 young carers in Victoria, but there are many hidden in the community since young carers often don’t see themselves as carers!

2

Many young carers study whilst caring

Caring can take up a lot of time and energy which can interfere with your study. Whether you’re a primary, high school or university student. We can find ways to help support you!

3

Young carers have all kinds of caring responsibilities

From doing chores to providing emotional support, young carers often take on a range of caring responsibilities. Read more below!

 
 
Young teenager sitting at a table with books, pens and a laptop in front of him. The boy is wearing headphones and has his hands on his face and looks stressed or tired.
 

What do young carers do?

Young carers have all kinds of caring responsibilities, such as:

Household chores

Do you have to do the cooking, cleaning and washing at home? Or do the shopping?

Providing care

Do you provide care by assisting with moving around the house, grooming, bathing or toileting?

Giving support

Do you provide support and monitor your family member’s needs? Do you provide social and emotional support to the person you care for?

Managing financial matters

Do you manage financial issues - such as property maintenance, paying bills, or banking?

Caring for other family members

Do you have to care for your other siblings?

Contacting service providers & healthcare professionals

Do you have to help make appointments, discuss treatments and medications on behalf of the person you’re caring for?

Helping to look after a sibling

Do you help look after your sibling(s) because of your parent(s)’ own health problems, work or other responsibilities?

Interpreting another language

Do you miss school to help interpret at a medical appointment for family members where English is a second language?

 

"Carer Services gave me the support and encouragement to finish Year 12. Things are calmer at home, and mum and I are working together to help support my brother."

— Kelly, young carer

Online resources, help & support

Explore a range of young carer online resources, help and support we can provide you.

 

  • The Young Carers Network website has information on studying while caring.

    You may be eligible for the Young Carer Bursary Program which helps to support young carers to continue with their education. The program offers 1000 bursaries of $3000 each year.

  • Carer Gateway Counselling:

    We can provide you with counselling specific to the impact and experience of you being a young carer. When you register with Carer Gateway, a support worker will determine and help arrange up to 6 free counselling sessions with a professional counsellor - call 1800 422 737 or request a callback.

    headspace Counselling:

    You can also connect with a headspace youth mental health specialist via phone on 1800 650 890 or online chat.

    This service is for young people aged 12-25 and their families and friends.

  • If you need temporary relief, respite allows carers to have time away from their caring situation by doing fun activities, group outings, school holiday programs and more.

    If you require emergency respite, call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.

  • Young Carers Network
    Nationally coordinated resources to raise young carer awareness, provide information, and direct young carers to appropriate pathways for support.
    Contact (02) 6173 2620
    youngcarersnetwork.com.au/

    headspace
    National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing support for 12-25 year olds.
    Contact 1800 650 890
    www.headspace.org.au

    Little Dreamers
    Young carer organisation supporting young people aged 4 to 25.
    Contact 1800 717 515
    www.littledreamers.org.au/

    Satellite Foundation
    Satellite Foundation connects children and young people where a parent has a mental illness or experiences mental health challenges.
    Contact 1800 973 444
    www.satellitefoundation.org.au/

  • If you’re at school and you need help with things like:

    • respite - taking a break

    • help at home

    • accessing sport or other activities

    • tutoring or time to study

    Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 or visit www.carergateway.gov.au.

  • You can chat with other carers on the Carer Gateway community forum.

    The Carer Forum provides a safe, anonymous space to connect with other carers and support each other.

Three young children walk across a wooden bridge in an activity called tree-top climbing. All three children are wearing safety helmets and harnesses.

Want to explore Young Carer events?

Check out our young carer events and workshops here.

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young carers?