One in ten young Australians are carers, often unrecognised
One in ten young Australians aged four to 25 care for disabled or elderly family members. Many don't know they qualify for support.
Hundreds of thousands of young Australians provide unpaid care for disabled, chronically ill or elderly relatives. Most don't know they are classed as 'carers' or that help exists.
Margo Villa started helping her brother with autism and intellectual disabilities at age five. She now helps with his morning routines and emotional regulation.
Research published in the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry found two-thirds of young carers experience severe mental health challenges. Young carers are 86 per cent more likely than peers to think about suicide.
They are more likely to drop out of school or work. The biggest barrier is lack of awareness.
Young carers in regional areas struggle alone. They miss counselling and support services.
Advocates call for government recognition of young carers. They need tailored funding and services.
- One in ten young Australians aged 4 to 25
- Young carers proportion
- 86 per cent more likely than peers
- Suicide risk increase
- Two-thirds experience extreme challenges
- Mental health impact
- Nothing For Us, Without Us report 2024
- Policy window
Why it mattersRecognition opens doors to mental health support. Hundreds of thousands of young Australians struggle in silence. They don't know help exists.
AustraliaHundreds of thousands of young Australians are carers often without knowing it, and lack access to the counselling and support services available to them.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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