Media Release
Monday 5 February 2021
Little Dreamers Launches The Young Carer Advocacy Project, giving young people in caring roles a voice in policy making
Young people in caring roles will have a pivotal part to play in shaping new policy for the Australian Government, in a program announced today by Young Carer support organisation, Little Dreamers.
The Young Carer Advocacy Project will provide Young Carers with a platform to influence their community and create policy change for Young Carers across Australia.
As part of the new program, Young Carers aged 15-24 will have the opportunity to participate in a focus group session with the aim to gain relevant information that will contribute to the development of a policy report. This policy report will guide the Australian Government about how Young Carers can be better supported within Australian society.
The program is funded by the Australian Government as part of their 2020 Youth Advocacy Support grants.
“Young Carers will be able to contribute their insights and personal experiences into being a young Australian in an unpaid caring role”, says Little Dreamers Founder and CEO Madeleine Buchner OAM. “This is a rare and exciting opportunity to create lasting and meaningful change in the Young Carer space”.
Young Carers currently make up approximately 1 in 10 young people in Australia. As one of Australia’s most vulnerable youth populations (Child Wellbeing Project, 2016), Young Carers face considerably higher risk of educational, financial and social disadvantage, as well as higher rates of mental illness, in comparison to that of their non caring peers.
After participating in focus groups, Young Carers will have the opportunity to become a Young Carer Ambassador for the program.
Over a six-month period, Young Carer Ambassadors will participate in a series of events and workshops enabling them to understand and articulate their perspectives on various care related issues. This program will also include a 3 day retreat, where Ambassadors will gain knowledge around advocacy and politics in Australia.
Young Carer Ambassadors will be key contributors to the development of the policy report and will be provided the opportunity to present the policy in parliament in Canberra during Carers Week 2021.
“This is an incredible opportunity for young people in caring roles to have their say and to help shape policy around supporting and responding to needs of Young Carers in Australia”, says Madeleine.
Little Dreamers is Australia’s leading Young Carer organisation, supporting young people between the ages of four and 25 who provide care for a family member with a disability, illness or addiction.
To find out more about The Young Carer Advocacy Project:
www.littledreamers.org.au/get-involved/young-carer-advocacy/
miranda@littledreamers.org.au
1800 717 515
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