Children and young adults are all too often called upon to take on responsibilities well beyond their years. If a parent or family member becomes ill or is living with disability, it’s not uncommon for a child to balance school or work with the responsibilities of being a carer.

With everything going on, there can be little time left to enjoy friendships, activities or just be a kid.

VMCH is privileged to be part of a program supporting hundreds of young Victorians in the Hume region between the ages of 8-25 who care for a family member.

The Young Carer Mentor Program takes a bit of the weight off young shoulders. It links volunteer mentors with young carers to provide them with emotional and social support, so they can enjoy being a young person.

Being a mentor is as simple as having a coffee, going to the movies or being a sounding board.

But what makes a good mentor a great one? Being willing to take the time to really get to know the young person, to learn new things that are important to them and to be changed by the relationship.

As a mentor you can help change the life of a young carer. That’s a rewarding experience.

For more information about our Young Carer Mentor Program, please get in touch with us.

T: 1300 971 720
E: carers@vmch.com.au