Young Carers

Who is a "Young Carer"?

Young carers are children or young people up to 25 years of age, who help care in families where someone has an illness, a disability, a mental health issue or who has an alcohol/drug problem.

If you are a young carer you may help care for a parent, a sibling, a child or a grandparent, or even other relatives or a friend

You might help out with cleaning or cooking, getting a relative or a friend about the house, helping with medicines, keeping them safe, showering or dressing them or just watching out to make sure they are okay

A series of 4 videos produced by Merri Health 
Young Carers - For Families
Young Carers - For Professionals
Young Carers - For Children
Young Carers - Mum and Me

Carers Gateway:  Am I a Young Carer? Brochure.

 Information for Children about BPD

The Australian BPD Foundation in collaboration with Rose Cuff, parents and staff from The Bouverie Centre have developed a information booklet for children which may be downloaded here

Children's Books related to BPD and mental illness

COPMI (Children of Parents with a Mental Illness) 

.. a comprehensive website offering information for young people, parents & families and professionals about mental illness. Includes a number of books to read to young children to help explain mental illness.

NSW    |    FaPMI (Victoria)

Kookaburra Kids

The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation supports kids living in families affected by mental illness. The program provides recreational, educational camps and other activities, giving kids a break, in a fun, positive and safe environment. Kids have the opportunity to meet other kids in similar families and develop new friendships.

emerging minds: advancing mental health of infants, children and adolescents

...is dedicated to advancing the mental health and emotional wellbeing of Australian infants, children, adolescents and their families.

Site includes a number of helpful fact sheets:
Communicating with your baby during adversity or tough times

Communicating with your toddler during adversity or tough times

Communicating with your primary school age child during adversity or tough times

Communicating with your teenager during adversity or tough times

Also refer to our list of suggested Children's books

Young Carers Network (YCN)

The YCN is a nationally coordinated resource to raise young carer awareness, provide information, and direct young carers to appropriate pathways for support.

We work to enable young carers to engage with each other through a range of opportunities to share and connect.(NB Not specific for mental health)

Kids Helpline

1800 55 1800 -  telephone support line available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. For children and young adults up to 25.

Webchat, email counselling and information available on their website

Reachout!...........

.......is a website for young people and covers a whole range of topics. It includes a forum where you can discuss your issues with other young people. Info, chat, forums, apps and phone support

Resilient Kids

A free guide filled with many easy-to-follow strategies for parents and activities for kids. It’s designed to help develop positive relationships, strengthen mental health and build resilience and self-awareness. (Developed by Children's Health Service Qld & Emerging Minds) NB Need to register to download resource