Who is a Young Carer?
Young carers often do not identify themselves or receive recognition for the selfless support they provide...
These young people perform their pivotal service silently. You may work, go to school with, live next to, or even be or have been a young carer.
A young carer is typically categorised as a person between the ages of 5 and 25 who takes on significant caregiving responsibilities for a family member who has a chronic illness, disability, mental health issue, is aged or has a substance misuse problem.
The caregiving duties performed by young carers can vary widely and may include:
- Personal Care: Assisting with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and administering medication.
- Household Tasks: Taking responsibility for household jobs such as cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, and managing finances.
- Emotional Support: Providing companionship, emotional support, and reassurance to the family member in need.
- Practical Support: Arranging appointments, coordinating care services, and advocating on behalf of the family member.
- Sibling Care: Assuming caregiving responsibilities for younger siblings, including childcare and supervision.
The key characteristic that defines a young person as a carer is that their caregiving responsibilities are substantial and often have an impact on their daily lives, education, social activities, and emotional well-being.
Young Carers can face many challenges including:
- Increased isolation from friends and peers
- Difficulty in maintaining attendance at school
- Disengagement from school
- Difficulty in maintaining employment
- Increased mental health and wellbeing challenges
- Difficulty in accessing transport
- Lack of time for self
- Lack of support
Young carers may not always self-identify, and their caregiving role may go unrecognised by others, including formal support services.
This is where Young Carers SA steps in, recognising and supporting young carers to ensure that they receive the appropriate assistance, resources, and recognition for their contributions to their families and communities.