Young carers are people up to 25 years old who provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend with a disability, a physical or mental illness, a substance dependency, or who is aged.
There are 272,000 young carers in Australia. The person they care for may be a parent, partner, sibling, their own child, other relative or friend.
Many young carers emphasise that caring is a positive experience. However, research clearly indicates that, when inadequately supported, their own health, mental health and wellbeing can be seriously affected.
If you are a young carer or want to know more about young carers, visit the Young Carers Network- a place for young carers to learn about support services, access resources and share their story and opinions.
*ABS 2015, SDAC report