Young carer’s mentor program

22 December 2016

22 Dec 2016

The role of mentoring is simple, but its impact on young carers is immeasurable.

Villa Maria Catholic Home’s (VMCH) Young Carers Mentor Program is the focus of our annual Christmas fundraising appeal. Grant funding for this unique initiative has run out and unless funds are raised quickly the program will cease.

Every child deserves the right to enjoy their childhood and adolescence, complete their schooling, and pursue their dreams. But, for hundreds of young people, caring for a loved one with a disability, physical or mental illness, achieving such goals is extremely hard.

The Young Carers Mentor Program connects young carers in the Hume region with mentors who provide them with valuable support and social opportunities. Young carers often face social isolation and depression, and drop out of school so they can care for their family member at home. Some are as young as nine and have little family, community or financial support. Research indicates that, if they are not adequately supported, their own health and wellbeing can be seriously affected.

Cobram teenager, Kaitlin Hamilton cares for her mother who has Multiple Sclerosis and is confined to a wheelchair. Kaitlin has been her mum’s carer since the age of 12. She helps her with personal care, household duties and medical appointments. Kaitlin has limited time to socialise with friends, play sport or enjoy the things most teenagers do. She dreams of becoming a paediatric oncology nurse. “I want to help support young children who suffer from cancer and are also caring for a loved one,” she says.

Carers like Kaitlin greatly benefit from the VMCH’s Young Carers Mentor Program. Since being matched with her mentor Marion Craig, 12months ago, Kaitlin has enjoyed some much-needed ‘time-out’ from her caring responsibilities and support from an adult outside her family.

“Marion and I are very close and I’m able to tell her anything that happens or bothers me. I feel like Marion is a second mother to me and is always there if I need her.”

“Having a mentor is important for young carers as they face a lot of pressure and responsibility. They need a chance to just be kids. Being out and independent of home is a chance to feel special. They also have a chance to discuss issues that may be affecting them with someone neutral,” says Marion.

“As mentors, we are investing in the future of these young carers by providing them with much deserved support. A little investment can provide some long reaching joy.”

$40,000 is required to cover the salary of the program coordinator, Marion Rak, who recruits volunteer mentors, matches them with young carers, and oversees the program. It will also fund social events where the young carers can come together with their each other and their mentors for much-needed fun and relaxation.

You can make a difference to a young carer’s life

Support our young carers by giving to the VMCH Christmas appeal. Visit: www.vmch.com.au/donate-now

More news articles in Disability Services

View all

Austin Street farewell marks a new chapter for Paul

New social enterprise cafe in Nunawading

Social enterprises and businesses step-up for people with disability

Carol celebrates almost a half century of volunteering

Specialist Support Coordinator George helps people navigate NDIS

NDIS Support Coordination helps Theresa pursue her passion

Geoff feels at home at Cre8

Specialist school St Paul’s College the place for Alex

Opening the door to employment for people with disability

A little lost? Start here.

Locating the information you need has become far easier with our useful guide. Answer a few simple questions and you will be on your way.

Not sure where to start?

→

Who needs our services?

I am here for
someone else I am here
for myself I am
looking for a job

Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.