Young Carers
Our services and programs work alongside young carers to address the challenges they face in their caring roles and daily lives.
Young carers are capable, compassionate and highly adaptable.
While their role builds valuable life skills, it can also present challenges such as:
- Isolation and disconnection from peers or social opportunities
- Balancing school and caring responsibilities
- Delayed entry into the workforce or further educational opportunities.
- Increased stress and emotional pressure
- Reduced time for personal growth, pursuit of life goals and self-care
- Difficulty in finding the right services or support for their individual situation
Our services and programs work alongside young carers to address the challenges they face in their caring roles and daily lives. This support recognises that young carers have specific and diverse needs, and that effective support must be tailored to each young carer’s unique circumstances.
Through the Department of Human Services–funded Young Carer Support Service, together with Young Carers SA, we bridge this gap by providing flexible, responsive support that directly reflects young carers’ identified needs.
About Young Carers SA
Young Carers SA is a dedicated program of Carer and Community SA, supporting young people aged 5 to 25 who have caring responsibilities within their families. Founded in 2024 with a passion for advocating for young carers, the program focuses on raising awareness of young carers and providing tailored opportunities and programs that respond to their unique needs and circumstances.
We are committed to ensuring every young carer is seen, heard, and supported, and has access to opportunities for growth, development and social connection. We aim to celebrate their strength and resilience, nurture their aspirations alongside their caring roles, and ensure that no child or young person walks their caregiving journey alone.
Learn more
Young Carers Support Services
Carer and Community SA’s Young Carer Support Service (YCSS), funded by the Department of Human Services, supports young carers aged 5 to 25 living in Adelaide’s southern and eastern suburbs who provide care for a family member with disability, mental health conditions or chronic illness.
YCSS works alongside young carers, their families, and partner organisations to support young carers’ wellbeing, goals and needs. We seek to strengthen skills and confidence, connect young carers with appropriate support services and local community programs, advocate for better health and education outcomes and guide young carers and families through systems and processes.
Our service helps Young Carers build skills, confidence, and strong community connections to thrive in all areas of life.
Who is eligible?
To access support, a Young Carer must be:
- Aged: 5–25 years
- Living in: Adelaide’s Southern or Eastern suburbs
- Providing care for: A family member with physical, intellectual, or mental health needs
How can we help?
- Support – We support Young Carers with their goals, wellbeing, and daily challenges.
- Connection – Through Young Carers SA we link Young Carers into group activities and programs so Young Carers can connect, have fun, and take a break.
- Access – We refer and connect Young Carers with support services and local community programs that match their needs.
- Advocacy – We advocate for Young Carers’ health and education, helping schools and services understand their role.
- Community – We help build community, so Young Carers feel supported—not alone.
- Navigation – We guide Young Carers through tricky systems and processes
Get in touch with our Young Carer team
Phone: (08) 8433 9555
Email: YoungCarerTeam@carersupport.org.au