Young people the hidden group of carers few are talking about
Advocates say Australia has a hidden cohort of young people aged between four and 25 who help care for people with disabilities, as well as sick, injured or elderly people.
In Australia, a hidden group of young carers between the ages of four and 25 are supporting individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental health issues, addictions, or the elderly. However, the lack of knowledge about who constitutes a carer presents significant barriers for these young individuals, particularly in regional areas.
Margo Villa, who began caring for her younger brother with autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities at the age of five, exemplifies this hidden group. The support group Little Dreamers is working to raise awareness about young carers and educate them about available support services.
Margo Villa, a mother of a child with disabilities, recognized her daughter Margo as a young carer and sought support for her own daughter. Research indicates that young carers face severe mental health challenges, with two-thirds experiencing mental health issues, 86 percent more likely to experience suicidal ideation and self-harm, and more likely to disengage from work or study and suffer from poverty.
Maddy Buchner, founder of Little Dreamers, emphasizes the need for recognition of young carers as a critical subgroup and for government and community groups to provide tailored support services. These services should address mental health concerns, stigma, and accessibility issues, particularly in rural and regional areas where distance and isolation exacerbate the challenges faced by young carers.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
