Yesterday marked the first day of Carers Week 2024 – an important week that encourages us to recognise, celebrate, and honour the incredible contributions of carers across Australia. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate those who dedicate their lives, often silently, to supporting others. From workplace morning teas to a simple call to a carer in your life to ask, “How are you, and what do you need?”, this week is about connection and gratitude.
At Little Dreamers, our focus is on an often-overlooked group – Young Carers. These remarkable young people, 1 in 10 across the country, give up parts of their own childhood to care for parents, siblings, or grandparents living with chronic illness, disability, mental health conditions, or substance dependence. Every day, they navigate immense challenges, balancing their care roles with education, friendships, and personal growth. And yet, they rarely ask for recognition, help, or applause.
We often talk about the hardships Young Carers face – educational disadvantage, social isolation, financial insecurity, and poor mental health. But what if we flipped the narrative? What if, instead of focusing solely on the obstacles, we highlighted the skills these young people cultivate through their care roles? Young Carers are resilient advocates, exceptional multi-taskers, skilled communicators, and brilliant problem-solvers. They understand compassion at a level many of us can only aspire to, forging deep connections through their care.
But recognising their strengths isn’t enough. We need to do more than celebrate them; we need to support them. In our work at Little Dreamers, we believe that best-practice support for Young Carers is built on three essential pillars:
- Support for young carers as young people first:
Every Young Carer is, at their core, a child or young person, with dreams, friendships, and aspirations outside their care responsibilities. We must empower Young Carers to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically by providing programs that meet their needs holistically, acknowledging both their care role and their individual identity. - Education for safe caring:
Caring can be physically and emotionally demanding and more often than not, Young Carers are never taught how to undertake their caring tasks. We need to equip Young Carers with practical skills, tools, and resources to care safely and effectively, ensuring their own wellbeing isn’t compromised. Supporting Young Carers means empowering them to care while also caring for themselves. - Driving policy change and research:
Lasting change requires more than individual support—it demands systemic transformation. We need to push for research and advocate for policies that recognise the needs of Young Carers, ensuring they are no longer invisible in the systems designed to support families and health.
These three pillars—support, education, and advocacy—are the foundation of everything we do at Little Dreamers. When woven together, they create a strong network of care that meets Young Carers where they are at and helps them grow, flourish, and lead fulfilling lives.
As we move through Carers Week, my challenge to you is simple: What role will you play? Can you start a conversation about Young Carers? Could you call someone you know in a care role and offer a helping hand or a listening ear?
This week is about more than just recognition—it’s about action. Together, we can create a future where no Young Carer feels isolated or invisible. A future where Young Carers have the same opportunities as their peers to learn, grow, and dream big. A future where the skills they develop through care aren’t just acknowledged but celebrated and nurtured.
Let’s make Carers Week 2024 a turning point. A moment when we move beyond awareness to action. When we see, support, and champion Young Carers—not just for one week a year, but every day.
To every current or former Young Carer reading this: I see you, I celebrate you, and I stand beside you. Thank you for all that you do, often without recognition or praise. You are the heart and soul of your families, and you are never alone in this journey.
If you’d like to directly support Young Carers, you can join us by becoming a regular donor which helps us continue our work making a significant difference to the lives of Young Carers!
This Carers Week, let’s raise our voices, lend our hands, and create a community that lifts carers up. Because when Young Carers thrive, we all thrive.
Happy Carers Week,
Madeleine Buchner OAM
Founder and CEO, Little Dreamers
