Did you know......

There are around 347,700 Australians, under the age of 25, providing care to a family member who has a long-term illness or disability?  (5.2% of all people under 25)

The Young Carer Program at Carers NSW was developed to make a positive difference to the lives of young carers (25 yrs and under) and their families.

Young Carers are children and young people who care for and support a family member who has a long-term physical illness, mental illness, disability, drug or alcohol problem.

The aims of the Young Carer Program

• Promote the issues and needs of young carers through statewide programs
• Develop a young carer support network in partnership with relevant agencies, services and schools
• Coordinate a variety of young carer activities in the short term
• Support referrals to local services who can assist young carers and their families
• Develop and distribute other appropriate resources
• Review and evaluate existing support activities 

How does the program support young carers?

• Camps (8-12 yrs, 13 - 17 yrs, 18 - 25yrs)
• Quarterly newsletter
• Talk-link (Telephone group counselling)
• Face-to-face counselling
• Telephone support/information/referrals
• Interactive young carer website
• Development of regional networks
• Community awareness and education 

The Young Carer program is funded through the NSW Carers Program and is administered by the Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care. The Young Carers Website is funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs.

Carers NSW manages the program through our Chief Executive Officer and our Board of Management. An Advisory Committee also guides the project.