A young carer is defined as children and teens (aged 5 to 25) who help care for a loved one dealing with chronic illness, disability, mental health issues, ageing, or drug and alcohol challenges. And in SA alone, there are more than 30,000 of them — that’s about 7% of the youth population.
Now, through this new mentoring program, these amazing young people will get the chance to connect with trained volunteer mentors in weekly one-hour sessions online. Over 10 or 17 weeks, they’ll work on skills like goal setting, self-confidence, resilience, and asking for help — all from the comfort and safety of home.
A game-changer for teens who give so much
Brigid Koenig, General Manager of Young Carers SA, says the partnership with Raise is all about recognising the challenges young carers face and giving them tailored support.
“While young carers are incredibly selfless and very proud of their caregiving support, they are often providing care that is well beyond their years. As a result, this has a significant impact on their daily lives, engagement with education, participation in social activities and emotional wellbeing,” Brigid says.
“This online mentoring will ensure young carers are seen, heard and supported by pairing them with a caring, trusted adult who is there for them every week. The program provides the young carer with time and space to focus on themselves and help them reach their full potential.”
Support that meets young carers where they are
Raise CEO and Founder Vicki Condon says the program has already helped thousands of young people around Australia — and now it’s expanding across SA.
“40 per cent of young carers who have completed our programs tell us that their caregiving role is impacting their schoolwork,” Vicki says.
“Mentoring will help South Australia’s young carers to stay engaged with and focussed on their learning, while enabling them to support themselves in their challenging teenage years.
“Young carers tell us that mentoring helps them because it gives them a break from their care duties, helps them gain more respect, provides time to recognise the support they need, and it connects them with valuable resources.”
A lifeline for regional families
For families living in remote parts of the state, this online setup makes a huge difference.
Mary*, a parent of a 12-year-old young carer living in Elliston, 650km from Adelaide, says the opportunity is priceless.
“We live extremely isolated, so participating in this via online means that she can have access to support as she navigates her way through some challenging times and to feel supported and appreciated for everything she does,” she says.
“For us to access something like this face-to-face would mean at least a two-hour drive one way which is just not possible for us.
“Online mentoring means she can get the same information and feel safe and secure in her own home.”
A brighter future for young carers
This program is about more than just support — it’s about recognition, respect, and giving young carers the chance to focus on themselves for a change.
Young Carers SA is a key initiative of Carer and Community SA (CCSA), which has supported carers and their communities for over three decades. Together with Raise, they’re building real, positive change for kids across the state — and showing young carers just how much they matter.
*Name changed for privacy.
Pictured at top Raise’s founder and CEO Vicki Condon (left) and Young Carers SA general manager Brigid Koenig (right).
Learn more or sign up:
Contact Young Carers SA on (08) 8433 9555 or email programs@carersupport.org.au
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