Register Login

Young Carer Stories

The only one in Australia

My name is Izzy, I am 17 years old and I am a Clinical Support Worker.

I am the second eldest in my family. I live at home with my mum, little brother and baby sister. For the past 3 years I have helped my mum who is a single parent care for my baby sister and help parent my younger brother.

My baby sister suffers from a life limiting condition called “Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia Type 1b”. She is 1 of 6 in the world and she is the only one in Australia. Her condition means she is non mobile, non-verbal and suffers from seizures along with involuntary movements etc.

She requires daily suctioning, dozens of medications, 24/7 oxygen, mic key button feeds and much more. Both my mum and I will care for her throughout the day and night whilst we also take care of my little brother.

My baby sister is frequently in hospital so when this happens mum stays with her while I stay home and take care of my brother.

Other stories

It can be hard

I was sick and couldn’t go to school, she wouldn’t know why because no one in the house had been sick, in 2015 I was told I have anxiety and a high stress rate. When I started getting older, I had a friend that would occasionally pick me up. My mum has less bad days, […]
Read full story

To help others

Hi. My name is James and I am a young carer. I care for my older brother, who has autism spectrum disorder. My duties usually involve staying around the house with him to keep him entertained and give him company as he has no friends outside of home. I also have to take care of […]
Read full story

My sister, my mum and I

Greetings and salutations! My name is Belinda, I am 16 and live in Queensland. One unique thing about me is my fascination of history and human behaviour. I have been caring for my mother for 5 years. My mother suffers from a diagnosed physical disability. This has now been broadly labelled as ‘Chronic Pain Syndrome’. […]
Read full story