It is estimated that there are 235,000 young Australians aged 12 to 25 who are in an unpaid caring role for family or friends.
These Young Carers often juggle school, employment, and their caring responsibilities, including providing emotional and advocacy support, assisting with medication, supporting physically with showering and other personal care tasks, household chores, and looking after siblings.
Young Carers are far more susceptible to social isolation, financial and educational disadvantage, unemployment, and poor physical and mental health. Since the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this further with Young Carers balancing online learning, increased caring commitments, and reduced social and community engagement opportunities.
COVID-19 is causing a lot of uncertainty for young people, especially when it comes to work and study. If you’re feeling up to it, there are ways you can stay on track with your work and study goals. If you’re returning to work, study, and other activities, it’s ok to feel nervous, apprehensive, or anxious.
If you or someone you know is a young carer, the below resources will help to understand COVID and accessing supports during the pandemic:
- Carers Australia has the latest information and advice for carers on their COVID-19 Info page.
- Access ReachOut’s COVID-19 free online mental health support for young people and parents.
- Connect with Beyond Blue’s COVID 19 Mental Wellbeing Support Service
- View SBS multilingual videos about COVID 19
- Check out ABC’s COVID-19 coronacast podcast for all updates and information
- Download resources from Headspace, Blackdog Institute, and Emerging Minds
- Access one-off financial support available from the Government. Find out more here.
- Find out information specific to carers here.
- Watch some great videos about COVID 19 from the First Peoples Disability Network
If you are in crisis or need urgent help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.