Are you taking on caring responsibilities?
If you’re young and helping to look after someone you care about, you might qualify as a ‘young carer’. This means there is support available to help you. It might be hard to think of yourself as a ‘carer’ if you just see it as helping someone you love. But understanding the nature and the importance of your role will help both you and the person you care about to be happier and healthier.
Take a look at the checklist below to see if you fit the bill as a young carer
Are you aged 25 or under?
Do you have a family member or friend who has a physical or mental illness, disability or chronic condition, or who misuses substances or is frail?
Do you help this person on a regular or ongoing basis? You might help with things like:
chores around the house
personal or nursing care – e.g. helping them take their medicine
intimate care – e.g. helping them wash themselves
looking after kids
running the house – e.g. paying bills
translating, if English is their second language.
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you may be part of a community of around 272,000 young carers in Australia. Around one in ten carers in Australia are aged under 25.
What does this mean for me?
Caring for someone can be very rewarding, but it can also feel hard, lonely and overwhelming. The good news is, you don’t have to do it alone. There are organisations across Australia able to support you.
Have more questions about caring for someone? For answers to your questions, Ask ReachOut.
What can I do now?
Check out these help resources for young carers.
Visit the Young Carers NSW forums and chat with other young carers.