If you want to have some fun and make a difference, don't miss these opportunities to get involved in young carer issues and events around the state

Carers NSW: Carer Survey 2010

The best way Carers NSW can support and advocate for carers is by having a clear understanding of what carers need and want. To add your voice, take some time to fill out the Carers NSW Carer Survey 2010. Survey closes Monday 27 August 2010 Hard copies are also available. To have one sent, please contact Carin at Carers NSW on 1800 242 6363 * (*freecall except from mobiles) or email carinb@carersnsw.asn.au

 

Young Rural Men, Mental Health and the Internet

If you are a young man who lives in a rural area and who has used the internet at any time to get you through a mental health issue (depression, anxiety, etc), then you are invited to take part in a research project currently being conducted at Melbourne's Swinburne University. If you would like to participate then email Michael Hartup or click here for more information.

 

Disability Care and Support

When disability services don't match the needs of the person with the disability it can lead to extra pressure on, and frustration for, that person and their carer.  If you are a young person who is disabled, or care for someone with a disability, then the Australian Youth Forum invites you to share your ideas and concerns in relation to a new national disaibility care and support scheme.... Click here for more info

 

Mood Memos Study

Can the internet help prevent depression? That's what the Orygen Youth Health Research Centre at the University of Melbourne are researching but they need your help in order to learn more. Mood memos are emails delivered every few days over a period of six weeks that include information and coping advice about depression. The study is open to participants who may have some depressive symptoms and want to know more about how to help themselves feel better. Participation and data are all confidential. To take part visit the Mood Memos website or email info@moodmemos.com

 

Shift this 2010

The NSW Youth Action and Policy Association (YAPA) are inviting young people aged 12-18 years old who live in NSW to take part in Shift This 2010! If you are a young person who is motivated to  learn, have fun and get involved then take part in this festival of change where you can learn how to create graffiti art, make your own zine, publish your writing, as well as learn how to take action on issues such as getting your licence or addressing homelessness. This is a great place to meet other young people from across NSW while sampling music, art, performances and ideas. When: 29 September - 1 October 2010 Where: The Vibe Hotel, Sydney CBD Cost: $110 (GST free) - financial support for transport from regional and rural areas may be available on a first in first serve basis. More Info: Check out the flyer or contact Jo on email or call 02 9281 5522 This is not a young carer specific event

 

Do you have a parent with cancer?

Research is being conducted into what its like to care for a parent with cancer. This research is important as it helps services who provide support to young carers to better understand what help is most needed during this difficult time. Adult young carers are being invited to share their perspectives by completing a survey available online or as a paper document. Access online survey here If you would prefer to have a printed survey posted to you, contact Janelle Lavesque on 0430 878 940 or email jlevesque@csu.edu.au

Become A Young Carer Representative

Are you a young carer who is passionate about young carer issues? Do you believe the work we do at Carers NSW is important? Are you 16 years old or over? Are you interested in getting involved? The needs of young carers are diverse and unique. No-one really knows what it's like to be a young carer unless they are one. Carers NSW exists to help support all young carers in their role and we do this best when we have young carers actively involved in the work we do. By becoming a Young Carer Representative you will be representing the needs of young carers while helping to raise awareness and understanding of young carer issues. Interested? Then call us, get involved and we will secure you a place in the upcoming training!! More Info and To Register: Contact the Young Carer Team on 1800 242 636 or at yc@carersnsw.asn.au

 

Ignite Magazine

If you are a young person who likes to get involved with new ideas, starts your own projects and leads the way, rather than follows - then Ignite is a digital magazine designed just for you! Published monthly, Ignite is emailed direct to your inbox and includes articles on Becoming a Successful Writer, Starting Your Own Business, and links to a heap of sites offering great advice on how to get educated, get involved and get enterprising. Click to see the magazine

 

Young Male Carers 16-24 - Wanted For Research

Statistics say guys are less likely than girls to seek help when they are feeling depressed or even suicidal, and prefer using the internet for information and support. If this is a subject you would be interested in sharing your views on, then Inspire Foundation in partnership with the Brain & Mind Research Institute invite you to join a focus group on mental health and technology. To participate you need to be a young male carer aged 16-24 years old and be able to travel to Sydney city. For your contribution you will also receive a $50 gift voucher! When: TBC Where: Sydney To Register: Contact Patrick Hurley on 02 8585 9334 // patrick@inspire.org.au More Info: here

 

Government National Youth Strategy

The Government recognises that young people are an important and powerful group in our society. In order to make sure young people are being catered to in the best way by Government policy, they have released a National Youth Strategy. The document below outlines what the government believes young Australians need. We notice that although young carers are mentioned, perhaps more could have been said? Log in and jump on the forum to let us know what you think and click here for a chance to win $250!

Young Carer Postcard

Carers Australia recently challenged a small group of young carers from around Australia to come up with a project to raise awareness around young carer issues. Tabitha, one of our extremely pro-active young carer representatives, conceived a brilliant idea to produce a Young Carer Postcard and has this week realised her vision thanks to Avant Card. Grab one of these great postcards from an Avant Card free postcard stand (found in cafes and venues all over NSW) and send someone you love a surprise message through the snail mail!! Sooo brilliantly retro....

 

National Survey of Young Australians

The Mission Australia National Survey of Young Australians 2010 is a chance for all young people aged 11-24 years old to share what's important to them, what concerns them, where they go for advice and support, what activities they enjoy and how they feel about their future. To have your say, click here.

 

What Kids Want!

The NSW Committee on Children and Young People recently produced a report on 9-14 year old young people.  After talking to the kids, their parents, their teachers and service providers it came out that their needs include: to feel good about themselves and be appreciated by others for who they are; to feel like they belong and are supported and; to be more independent, but also to be safe. Click for the full report

 

Research - The Experience of Young Carers

What impacts does your caring role have on you and your life? This is the question currently being explored by the researchers of RMIT University and they need your help to answer it. If you are between 18 and 25 years old and care for a family member or friend with a disability, long-term illness, is frail aged or mentally ill, then you are invited to take part. All you have to do is fill in their experience of Young Carers Questionnaire which will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. More Info: If you have any questions about the study you can contact Johanna Wilkinson at s3224877@student.rmit.edu.au

 

Young Carer Report - NYARS

You may wonder why so much research is happening right now into young carers? Well, that's because carer organisations (like us) and the  government are continually trying to find the best ways to identify and support young carers in these often challenging roles. One report has recently been published by the National Youth Affairs Research Scheme and what they have found is that while over 20 000 young people have been identified as primary carers, there may be many more that we don't know of because many young carers don't know they are one, or don't want to disclose the condition of those they care for. If you have something to say about this report then why not get onto our discussion board and see what other young carers think about this? Is there important information everyone is missing? How would you suggest we best help identify and support young carers? To read the full report, open the document below.

Young Australian of the Year Award 2011

Every young carer in NSW deserves to be recognised for what they do. However, if you know one young person aged 16 - 30 years old that especially stands out, then this is your chance to nominate them as the Young Australian of the Year for 2011. For more details on how to nominate, go to the website