National Carers Week: “Young carers are legends”

4 October 2024

4 Oct 2024

Aston, aged 8, is a kind, shy kid who loves animals, Lego and playing Minecraft. He also loves his big brother, Flynn, aged 11. Their bond transcends that of most siblings. Flynn acts as Aston’s carer, alongside their mum Haeli Walker.

In summary:

October 13-19 is National Carers Week.
VMCH supports around 3,000 carers across Victoria.
Haeli is a carer for her son Aston.
Aston’s big brother Flynn, aged 11, also acts as his carer.
Young carers are often ‘hidden’ in the community.
For more on VMCH’s Carer Services, visit the page.

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“My caring role looking after my brother is hard. But I love my brother and the time we spend together.”
– Flynn

October 13-19 is National Carers Week, a time to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness of the 3 million Australians who provide care to a family member or friend. For-purpose aged and disability organisation VMCH is one of Victoria’s largest state-funded carer support providers, supporting almost 3,000 unpaid carers, including 175 young people.

The 24-member Carer Services team focuses on the health and wellbeing of the carer and offers education and information, personal care, flexible respite and a multitude of special events.

It’s a service Haeli and Flynn couldn’t do without. Aston’s diagnoses of autism, epilepsy and learning delays mean he needs 24/7 care. Haeli, who also juggles a career as a support worker, assists Aston with twice-daily medications, driving to medical appointments, personal care and advocating via the NDIS. It’s an exhausting role, and one she’d struggle to maintain without Flynn, who helps Aston dress, do his homework, and help calm him down when he’s upset.

VMCH’s Carer Services team helps Haeli and Flynn so that they can continue to be there for Aston. Haeli, aged 44, accesses carer catchups and events, and vital respite for weekends away with her partner.

“Being a carer has caused my mental health to escalate at times but having support helps me to cope with life’s stresses,” Haeli says. “Having the carers group gives me something to look forward to. Case Manager Nicola is a listening ear when we need someone the most. Without it, I would feel isolated and alone.”

Flynn is supported with school equipment and supplies, and access to young carer events to connect with peers.

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There is estimated to be around 71,600 young carers in Victoria, that’s one in 11 people aged under 25.

Case Manager Nicola Mallinson (pictured above) believes this number could actually be double.

“We know that most young carers are hidden within our community because they don’t really identify with the term, or grow up without realising that what they are doing is “caring”, so there is huge underreporting.”

Nicola says having support tailored to young people is vital.

“Young carers face challenges and have experiences that are really like no other young person. Each caring role is different, each family is different and having a network of support and people who exist to be on your team, wanting to understand what’s going on for you, and lend a hand when you need it, is really important.”

She describes young carers as “legends”.

“They may not have always consciously made the choice to step up and take on more responsibilities, but they’re showing up each day and making sure the people they love are able to get through with a bit more ease.”

From what we see on our end, and this goes for a lot of families in caring roles, there can definitely be some really challenging times, but it can also bring some incredible rewards. For young people like Flynn, who are so close in age to the siblings they care for, you see them have such a special bond.
– Nicola

Would you like more information?

For more information on VMCH’s Carer Services, click here.

National Carers Week: “Young carers are legends”

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A Case Manager’s journey to home care

Growing up before your time: life as a young carer

Multicultural Wellness Centre an inclusive space for older CALD individuals

Aged Care Respite – Leonie and Kevin’s story

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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 Straight Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.