Resources to support young carers
Helping to care for a friend or family member is a big responsibility, so it’s important to make sure you’re supported, too. It’s normal to feel unsure about reaching out for help, but services are available to give you and your loved ones extra support if you need it.
First steps for young carers
Provides practical information and resources for carers. It will point you in the right direction so you’re not swamped by options.
Call 1800 422 737 on weekdays, 8 am–6 pm, or visit the Carer Gateway website for more information.
Provides information and direction to appropriate pathways for support. It also has stories from other young carers that you might find helpful.
Call 02 6173 2620, or visit the Young Carers Network website for more information.
Provides information and resources for children and young people living in families where a parent has a mental illness.
Visit the COPMI website for more information.
If you’re worried about confidentiality but still want to speak to someone, you can call one of the following helplines for crisis support:
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Kids Helpline : 1800 55 1800
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Lifeline : 13 11 14
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13YARN : 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
State/territory-based services for young carers
NSW Young Carer Hub
A central access point for information and resources to support young carers in New South Wales.
Visit the NSW Young Carer Hub website .
Carers QLD
A central access point for information and resources to support young carers in Queensland.
Visit the Carers QLD website .
Carers VIC
A central access point for information and resources to support young carers in Victoria.
Visit the Carers VIC website .
Carers ACT
A central access point for information and resources to support young carers in the ACT.
Visit the Carers ACT website .
Young Carers NT
A central access point for information and resources to support young carers in the Northern Territory.
Visit the Young Carers NT website .
Carers SA
A central access point for information and resources to support young carers in South Australia.
Visit the Carers SA website .
Young Carers TAS
A central access point for information and resources to support young carers in Tasmania.
Visit the Young Carers TAS website .
Young Carers WA
A central access point for information and resources to support young carers in Western Australia.
Visit the Young Carers WA website .
Financial help for young carers
A fortnightly supplementary payment is available if you care for someone who needs ongoing daily care for at least 12 months or has a terminal medical condition.
Visit the Carer Allowance website for more information.
A scholarship is available to young carers who are studying. It aims to help relieve financial pressure for young carers while they combine studying and their caring responsibilities.
Visit the Young Carer Bursary website for more information.
What can I do now?
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Call your state carers’ organisation to see how they can help.
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Learn more about looking after yourself when caring for someone else .
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Check out our directory of family services .
