25 February 2019
Media Release
Little Dreamers celebrates the initiative of the Andrews Government in yesterday unveiling their Royal Commission into Mental Health.
Mental illness in Young Carers are on the rise. According to ABS data, two in three Young Carers in Australia experience mental health problems.
Furthermore, a recent UNSW and Flinders University survey revealed life satisfaction scores to be noticeably lower for Young Carers than their non-marginalised peers.
“Young Carers are exposed to illness, disability and addiction on a daily basis. The toll that their caring role can take coupled with the lack of support services available means that mental illness is so prevalent in this community,” says Little Dreamers Founder and CEO, Madeleine Buchner OAM.
The Institute of Child Protection Studies estimates two to three Young Carers in every Australian classroom. Despite this level of frequency, Young Carers were named in the top four most at-risk youth populations in 2016 in Australia (Australian Child Wellbeing).
“It’s so important that Young Carers have access to the support they need, both mentally and otherwise. Our role is to make sure that Young Carers never feel isolated or disadvantaged in their caring role,” Madeleine says.
Little Dreamers are confident that the Mental Health Royal Commission will shed light on this important topic and plot measures to improve Young Carer mental health statistics.
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About Little Dreamers
Founded by Madeleine Buchner OAM in 2009, Little Dreamers is Australia’s leading non profit organisation for Young Carers, working to improve the quality of life for Young Carers and Special Siblings across Australia.
Little Dreamers do things differently. The organisation’s six key support programs are cowith Young Carers to ensure their vision aligns with those they are supporting. The Little Dreamers mission always remains front and centre: to break down barriers, empower Young Carers and their families and create supportive care communities, with a vision of long-lasting change.
For further information and media enquiries, please contact Emma at emma@littledreamersonline.com.
Website: www.littledreamersonline.com
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