In this episode, we get to know John. John has been connected with the Carers NSW for over a decade, and has been a strong advocate for young carers for many years. John chats with host Nina about how his caring role has changed from when he started caring at 5 years old to now, how important school was for John and how he started a support group for his peers, the importance of practical support for young carers more broadly and how John’s caring role ultimately shaped his career. John is now 23, lives in Central West NSW and cares for his mother living with a mental illness.

This episode of YC Bytes was hosted by Nina Longfellow. It was written and produced by the Carers NSW Young Carer team. The Acknowledgement of Country was recorded by Lua Pellegrini, Wiradjuri Woman and young carer who grew up on Darug country in Western Sydney. Special thanks to our speakers who contributed to today’s episode.

For support as a young carer, check out Carer Gateway or call 1800 422 737 to find out what’s available in your local area. Carer Gateway is a national model of carer support available to any carer across Australia.

If you are working with young carers in NSW and you would like to arrange an information session for your team/s at work or school, please call 02 9280 4744.

If you would like to be involved in making positive change in your sector and improving young carer awareness on a larger scale, check out the Carers NSW Young Carer Inclusion Network. This initiative brings together a range of like-minded representatives from all sectors working with young people who want to help improve young carer inclusion across NSW. For more information, please visit the Carers NSW website or call 02 9280 4744.

Carers NSW is the peak non-government organisation for carers in NSW. We provide information, education and training, research, resources and a range of carer-specific programs and projects to support and raise awareness of family and friend carers in the community. For more information about Carers NSW, please visit the Carers NSW website.

Contact the Young Carer team by calling 02 9280 4744 during business hours, or email yc@carersnsw.org.au.

Subscribe to Carers NSW monthly YC eNews to stay up to date with opportunities and updates from the team, and follow the Carers NSW Young Carer Program on Facebook.