Ben & Alex are the older siblings of Emily, diagnosed with CLN3 Juvenile Batten Disease. They have found support through Young Carers.
Ben explains what is most helpful for him “Respite ...and I like getting to know people who have some of the same difficulties”
Alex tells of his experience “Young Carers offer fun camps which include various different activities. The kids attending the camps all care for someone with a disability which can be encouraging and nice to be around someone who understands. It is also nice to get out and do activities that you would not normally do without a group.”
Julia, Mum to Ben, Alex & Emily says "Ben & Alex had opportunities to tell their story, for example in the Young Carer’s newsletter. It was therapeutic for them to express what they were going through. They have also benefitted from connecting with others. The kids in the small groups may have different backgrounds and life experiences, but there is an unspoken understanding.”
Young Carers Network is a Carers Australia initiative, accessible by referral (from an organisation or self-referral) through the national Carer Gateway. Young Carers are those who provide unpaid care and support to a loved one, including family members, up to the age of 25.
The Carer Gateway has in-person, phone and online services to support young carers. Young Carers can call the Carer Gateway team on 1800 422 737 between 8am – 5pm Monday – Friday or visit www.carergateway.gov.au
Young carers are often unseen in the role of carers as they see what they do for the person they care for as part of their normal role, or just helping out the person providing the majority of care.
As a young carer, sometimes your caring responsibilities can have an impact on your ability to work, study or socialise with friends and that can be a bit hard. The Carer Gateway can help practically, with extra tutoring, educational programs (bursaries) and mentoring, arrange respite and in-home help, driving lessons, counselling and peer groups, including camps and day activities.
For more information, visit the Young Carers Network website: https://youngcarersnetwork.com.au/
Below are photos of some activities that Ben & Alex have participated in with Young Carers
You can call the Carer Gateway team on 1800 422 737 between 8am – 5pm Monday – Friday
or visit www.carergateway.gov.au
You can call the Carer Gateway team on 1800 422 737 between 8am – 5pm Monday – Friday
or visit www.carergateway.gov.au