National Carers Week 2024 is shining a spotlight on the valuable contributions made by carers across Australia, including young carers who provide ongoing care to their loved ones while also juggling schoolwork, part-time jobs and their social lives.
Carers are people providing unpaid care and support to family members who are frail aged, have a disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, a terminal illness or other dependency issues.
There are more than 958,500 carers in NSW, including 131,400 young people aged under 25 who take on caring responsibilities and the associated physical and mental health challenges.
The NSW government backed Little Dreamers Journey project has helped almost 100 young carers across the NSW north coast since its inception in March 2023.
The Little Dreamers Journey project received $451,266 from the ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ Regional Youth Investment Program to provide recreational and respite programs to young carers aged 10 to 25, including recreational peer support, one-on-one tutoring and school holiday programs.
This support provides young carers with opportunities to build social connections, develop a sense of belonging and take breaks from their caregiving responsibilities.
Making a difference
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Director for Regional Youth Julia Ryan said the program is making a meaningful difference to young carers on the North Coast.
‘The Little Dreamers Journey project is providing young carers with a supportive community that truly understand their unique experiences,’ Ms Ryan said. ‘The program’s focus on offering tailored support and opportunities for connection is essential in addressing the specific challenges faced by young carers.
‘National Carers Week is an important opportunity to recognise the contributions of these young carers who are balancing challenging caregiving roles with their education and personal lives.’
Founder and CEO of Little Dreamers Madeleine Buchner OAM said funding for young carers in regional areas has never been more crucial.
‘We have seen an eight per cent increase in the number of young carers nationwide and these young people are missing out on their own childhood to provide unpaid care in their family, facing significant amounts of disadvantage along the way,’ Ms Buchner said.
‘It is our duty to ensure that young people taking on caring responsibilities are not further disadvantaged by their caregiving role.’
Charlotte’s story
Charlotte, 12, helps care for her little brother with autism, ADHD and anxiety. Charlotte said the Little Dreamers Journey program has given her the opportunity to connect with other carers.
‘Before Little Dreamers I often felt people didn’t understand me, but now I feel like I have other people to share and connect with because of the same struggles we all have,’ Charlotte said.
‘I have made some really good friends because of Little Dreamers and I feel like I have gained confidence and finally have a sense of belonging.’
For more information about Little Dreamers, go to: www.littledreamers.org.au.
