7 March 2017.
Three inspiring young Canberrans were awarded with $350 personal grants by the Country Women’s Association’s Canberra Branch. The CWA Young Carers Grants recognise that these young people, each a carer for a family member, have missed out on a normal childhood in many ways in order to fulfil a role more mature than their years.
“These young carers so often put their needs and wants aside to support and care for their family. They are often required to help up to 8 hours of the day on top of the school and work commitments” says Stephanie Stephens of Anglicare’s CYCLOPS program for young carers.
The role of a young carer can include cleaning and cooking for the family, managing bills, assisting with medication, personal care tasks as well as seeking help from medical professionals.”
Sixteen-year-old Niamh was one of the deserving CWA Young Carers Grant recipients. She supports her mum by caring for her younger sister who is living with cerebral palsy.
Niamh helps with the essential care her sister needs, while balancing her college studies and overcoming learning difficulties caused by dyslexia.
“Erin sometimes has really bad days which can escalate quickly but I try to support her through that,” shares Niamh.
Niamh meets with Stephanie every two weeks and follows a case management framework that works to develop life skills such as self care, dealing with conflict, budgeting, resume writing, career advice, personal skills and self care.
Anglicare’s CYCLOPS program is an ACT initiative Connecting Young Carers to Life Opportunities and Personalised Supports.
