young carers
Who are young carers?
Young carers are young people who help care in families where someone has an illness, a disability, a mental illness or who has a drug or alcohol problem.
What its like to be a young carer?
Many young carers tell us that caring can be a great thing to do, they’re proud of who they are and what they do and that they’ve built a whole lot of useful skills. Sometimes though, young carers say that caring can affect how they feel, how much time they get to spend with friends, doing schoolwork or holding down a job, and often they need some help.
Taking care of yourself:
If you’re caring for someone else it’s also important to take care of yourself.
Get some support and talk to someone you trust.
Keeping your worries and concerns to yourself and not telling anyone can often make things worse. Think about who you might be able to talk to like a caseworker, family member, friend, school counsellor, or doctor
Learn more about the condition the person you care for:
Finding out more about the illness or condition your family member has often makes it less scary because you understand it better and what the person might be experiencing. Get the doctor or counselor to give you information or tell you about good websites with accurate information.
Express your feelings:
It sometimes helps to write things down that are concerning you in a journal. It is also good to find other ways of expressing yourself through art, music or just hanging out with friends. Going for walks and swims or bike riding can help to clear your head.
Eat, sleep and exercise:
Often when people are looking after others they forget to look after themselves. Look after your own health by eating well, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly.
Avoid Drugs and Alcohol:
It is sometimes tempting to use drugs or alcohol to get through difficult times. The trouble is that often they make things even more difficult later. If you or someone else is concerned that you’re using too much drugs or alcohol, talk about it with someone.
Don’t take it all on:
It’s important not to try and do everything yourself. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other people if things are getting difficult or you need a hand.
(Information from “Who cares? We do.” Carers Australia’s Supporting Young Carers Project, funded by Australian Government, Department of Family & Community Services.)
useful links
NSW Carers Program- Young Carers Project
Carers Programs, National Carers Australia
Carers Programs, International Young Carers Initiative (UK)
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers (UK)
Information for brothers and sisters.
Sibs A website that has useful siblings factsheets and links to other siblings websites.
Siblink- A website for primary school aged siblings. This website has games, information and gives you a chance to share your thoughts and find out how other siblings feel.
Your Shout - A website for teenage siblings. You can share your thoughts, chat with other siblings, read stories and find out about services that can help you.
