Young Carer Program

Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre Mid North Coast Young Carer Program provides support to young Carers who are at risk of not completing their secondary school education or vocational studies due to caring responsibilities. This support aims to help young Carers better manage and/or balance their education and caring role.

Who are Young Carers?

A young carer is person under the age of 25 years, who looks after, helps and provides support for a parent, sibling, relative or friend who has a disability, is frail aged or who has a chronic, terminal or mental illness.

These young Carers may;

• Be late for or frequently miss school
• Have no time to complete home work
• Lack concentration due to tiredness or concerns at home

What will the Young Carer Program Do?

Under this program, young Carers will be able to access help with study, preparing for exams, training and/or recreational activities.

Some examples of support that can be provided to young Carers include:

• Assistance with practical support such as domestic assistance, meal preparation, housework and transport
• Organisation and payment of private tutoring
• Financial assistance to attend recreational activities or courses
• Support during the school term to enable homework to be completed or at the time of exams to enable time for study.
• Linking young Carers to support networks
• Providing information on resources and services available
• Referring young Carers to appropriate services