Do you regularly help out and support a person who requires ongoing care?
This person could be a parent, partner, child, sibling, relative or friend who has a disability, has a chronic or terminal illness, is elderly or frail, or who has a severe mental or physical illness. All children and young people have the right to enjoy life and reach their potential. We can help you to balance caring, study, work, and having a social life too.
Don’t feel embarrassed about wanting to talk to someone. Can a family member or friend help? Can you talk to your teacher at school?
Call 1800 422 737 (press 1) for advice and support.
Carers Tasmania also has a team who are experienced in speaking to carers under 25. We can provide support, information and referrals specific to your situation.
If you feel more comfortable speaking to a professional, in total confidence, our Counselling program might help.
Your local Young Carer Worker is happy to provide one on one support and information to you and provide the opportunity to connect with other young carers in your area.
It might help to take some time out from caring, and meet other carers in the same boat as you. We have organised social events and school holiday activities for groups of young carers, like trips to the movies, or your favourite football club.
Many young carers find it difficult to balance education with caring. Do you sometimes find it hard to concentrate at school or not have time to finish homework? Does your teacher understand about your caring role?
Why not talk to your schoolmates or teachers? Carers Tasmania Young Carer Workers can help in raising awareness of young carers in schools. In some areas Carers Tasmania might also be able to help with tutoring outside of school hours, or assist with the cost of school uniforms and textbooks, and also help with getting you ready for the world of work – if we cannot help directly we can put you in touch with other support services who may be able to.
There are some government payments that you may be able to access.
The Young Carer Bursary Program aims to help relieve financial pressure for young carers while they combine studying and their caring responsibilities. The Young Carer Bursary Program for 2021 payments will open on 16 August and close 5pm AEST on the 30 September 2021.
There is a National Young Carer website that is packed full of information just for young carers – head on over and take a look!
