Are you assisting in the care of someone with a disability, who is elderly or has a mental health issue? They may be a sibling, family member or even a member of the community.

Young Carers Groups are a great way for young people under the age of 25 to meet and socialise with other young people who are carers, and to take a break from the responsibility of caring for someone.

In Australia there are approximately 380,000 young carers under the age of 26 and, of these, it is estimated that 170,600 are under the age of 18.

At least one in ten children in Australia has some level of care responsibility in their home. This equates to there being, on average, two or three young carers in every classroom in Australia.

Young carers provide a wide range of practical and emotional assistance to those for whom they care including:

• accompanying the person cared for to medical appointments
• assisting the person they care for with dressing, bathing, toileting and mobility
• administering or reminding about medication
• providing social support to the care recipient
• providing support during periods of increased emotional or physical stress
• buying groceries, cooking, cleaning, handling household finances
• advocacy and negotiation with service providers.

What does the Young Carers Group provide?

We can provide support groups, education workshops, recreation activities, and information to support young carers in the region and give recognition to the importance of Young Carers in the community.

Who is it for?

Young people under the age of 25 who give a lot of support to someone with a disability, someone who is elderly or someone who has mental health issues.

Where are Young Carers Groups available?

Young Carers Groups are run throughout the Riverina Murray with groups in Albury, Deniliquin and Wagga Wagga.