ROdown Blog
Young Carers are speaking up
Update: The Young Carers competition has now closed. The winners of the competition will be announced by May 31st on the Reach Out website and Carers Australia websites, so stay tuned to see if you were one of our winners.
Carers Australia and Reach Out are running an online competition for young people caring for a family member or friend.
For your chance to win a $250 JB Hi-Fi voucher, go to www.reachout.com/carers
We have been asking young carers - if you had 5 minutes with a politician, what would you tell them about the needs of young carers?
The response so far has been terrific -
- 60% stated young carers need more emotional support – including counselling and support groups;
- 51% stated young carers need more respite; and
- 43% stated there needs to be more recognition of young carers in the community.
There have been some great suggestions about how the Government can better support young carers, including:
- more awareness raising and flexibility in schools;
- better training for school counsellors and medical professionals;
- financial assistance to assist with daily living costs; and
- more flexible carers leave entitlements in workplaces
Young carers have also been vocal that they need opportunities to have a good life and have fun – through camps, outings, activities and assistance with transport.
Many young carers have also stated that the Government needs to improve services for people with a mental illness, disability or chronic illness.
Carers Australia will be presenting the results to Government, giving young carers the chance to speak up and be heard!
How do you think the Government can better meet the needs of young carers?
Tell us your ideas here – competition closes on May 9 2010.
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3 Comments
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Hobsons
over 1 year ago
Reply ReportI think this is a fantastic blog topic. What better way to get the government to listen than from the youth carer's voices themselves.
On a side note- have you investigated the university options available with flexible timetables? Some universities rate particularly highly on offering such places to those with difficulties attending usual classes.
If you have any questions about this i strongly urge you to check out www.gooduniguide.com.au or visit the associated facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Good-Uni-Guide/131174170228257?ref=ts
keep us the amazing work you do- remember nothing goes totally unnoticed!
Hobsons
Nicole Box
almost 2 years ago
Reply ReportIt's a really exciting time for young carers to speak up to the government about what changes they want.
The Government is currently working on a National Carer Strategy, which MP Jenny Macklin stated should be released later this year. There is also expected to be a federal election later this year too!
Carers Australia is planning to give the results of this survey to all the major political parties.
To all the young people caring for a family member or friend, enter our competition and tell us: what would you tell a politician about the needs of young carers?
Alphabet
almost 2 years ago
Reply ReportThis feedback is amazing. The role young carers play is inspiring and i have so much admiration towards everyone that is in a carers role. I hope the government seriously takes all of this on board and makes much needed change.