Young carers

Are you a young carer?

Many young carers are unidentified. This can be for numerous reasons whether it is because young carers don't identify with the label "young carer" or family members, teachers, and other service providers aren't familiar with the signs of being a young carer.

Do you ever:

  • Help take care of someone in your household who has a disability, chronic or mental illness, who is frail aged or has an alcohol or other drug problem?
  • Worry about leaving the person you care for home alone?
  • Get a sore back from lifting the person you care for?
  • Feel like you sometimes don't get to do regular stuff with your friends?
  • Feel too tired to hang out with your friends or do school work?

If you said yes to any of these, and you would like to:

  • Have the opportunity to speak to other young carers who may be in a similar situation?
  • Have a chat to someone about your caring role?
  • Get info about support groups?
  • Find out about Young Carer Groups?
  • Get personal support for the person you care for?

Then check out the resources below.

 

Young Carer

There are more than 62,400 young carers in Victoria.

It is estimated that 3% of all young people are carers and there is at least 1 young carer in every classroom. Young carers are hidden in the community, so these figures are likely to be underestimates. Many do not identify as a carer.

Some young people may have caring responsibilities although they may not identify with this title. That is okay. Everyone has a unique and different identity that may not fit inside a title. This won't stop you from being able to access supports.

Caring responsibilities can have positive effects, such as developing skills and building strong relationships, as well as some negative short and long-term effects such as poor health and wellbeing, social isolation, difficulty with transitions into adulthood.

Online resources

The Young Carers Network

The Young Carers Network is a place for young carers to learn about support services, access resources and share their story and opinions. Brought to you by Carers Australia.
Visit the Young Carers Network

When Your Parent Has A Mental Illness Guide

For youth aged 12 to 15 years with a parent who experiences mental illness. This guide has been produced by the Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association Ltd for the COPMI (Children of Parents with a Mental Illness) national initiative.
View the Guide

Young Carer Facebook Page

The Young Carer Facebook page supports young carers in Victoria to come together and learn from one another, and hear about what is happening in their communities.
Visit the Facebook page

Young Carer Fact Sheets

Self Advocacy Tips for Young Carers

Help & support

Respite

Respite provides temporary relief for carers e.g. time away from the caring situation, personal care for the person being cared for, fun activities, group outings, individual support, camps and holiday programs. Phone the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
Visit the Carer Gateway Online

Support for young carers at school

If you're at school and need help with things like: respite - taking a break, help at home, getting to sport or other activities, tutoring or time to study - call the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
Visit the Carer Gateway Online

Young Carer Busary

The Young Carer Bursary Program is a Carers Australia initiative. It supports young carers to return to or to continue with their education by providing financial assistance while studying and managing caring responsibilities. The program will offer 1,592 bursaries for the 2025 academic year, each valued $3,768. The busary is CLOSED for 2025 but will be available in 2026.
Find out more about the Young Carer Bursary

Young Carer Scholarship Program

Carers Victoria's Young Carer Scholarship program gives young carers attending secondary school the opportunity to be acknowledged for their contributions to their family and the community and to participate in school or community-based activities that enhance their skills, educational achievement, and abilities, or that help them to participate more fully in their community. The Scholarship Program is CLOSED for 2025 but will be available again in 2026.
Young Carer Scholarship Program

Young Carer Events

There are a number of events and a Young Carer Festival held each year. Contact us or follow our Facebook page to find out how you can take part.
Visit the Young Carer Facebook page

Little Dreamers Australia

Little dreamers is a dedicated support service for young carers.
Visit the Little Dreamers Australia website

Satellite Foundation

Satellite Foundation support young carers with a family member living with mental health challenges.
Visit the Satellite Foundation website
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Need assistance now?

If you support someone with their daily life, you’re a carer – and we’re here for you. Our Carer Statewide Advisory Service is dedicated to supporting unpaid carers.

No matter your situation, get expert guidance, practical advice, and the support you need to care well – and stay well.

Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
Contact us for free carer support
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