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Friday, March 29, 2024

One in 20 Canberrans aged 12-25 are young carers

Around one in 20 (5.2% of) people aged 12-25 in the ACT are young carers who perform significant caring responsibilities for their family members living with a disability, mental illness, or a chronic medical condition, according to Carers ACT.

Nationally, it is estimated that around 235,000 young Australians aged 12 to 25 fulfill a caring role for family or friends.

This week, 4-14 April, is ACT Youth Week – a time to highlight the positive contributions that young people make to our community, as well as the issues that impact them.

In a statement, Carers ACT said that “while most of their peers are focused on school, part-time jobs and hanging out with friends, young carers often struggle to balance schoolwork, employment, and their caring responsibilities. These can include household chores, cooking, assisting with medication, looking after younger siblings, and providing emotional support to the person they care for”.

“These responsibilities may significantly impact the life of a young carer, making them more vulnerable to educational and financial disadvantage, social isolation, unemployment and poor mental health and wellbeing.

“Oftentimes, their caring role can also greatly affect their education, resulting in a lack of focus, higher rates of school absences or poor academic performance.

“Most young people with significant caring responsibilities do not identify themselves as carers and are often unaware that there are supports and services that are available to help them cope better with their caring role.

“Raising awareness about young carers will enable us, as a community, to better identify and support them so that they are able to engage more actively in school and in the community.

“Having a good support system in place and access to the appropriate services will enable young carers to have equal opportunities as their peers to achieve their goals and dreams.”

Carers ACT advised that if you know of a young person who has caring responsibilities and in need of support, you can help by referring them (or their guardian) to the Carer Gateway, an Australian Government program providing free services and support for young carers.

“Through the Carer Gateway, young carers can have access to counselling, coaching, peer support, resources and tailored support packages delivered through Carers ACT, their local service provider in the ACT.”

For access to young carer support and services, call the Carer Gateway at 1800 422 737 or visit www.carergateway.gov.au

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