Rodney Stevens

As the cost-of-living crisis bites hard, young carers aged up to 25 from across the Clarence Valley can get a helping hand for the valuable work they do sharing in the $6 million Young Carer Bursary.

The Young Carer Bursary Program supports young carers to continue with their education and reduce their need to undertake paid work at the same time as their study and caring duties.

With families seeking to minimise costs, more young people are taking up a carer role for friends and family.

The Young Carer Bursary is funded by a $6 million Commonwealth Government grant to provide added financial aid and support young people to continue their educational journey while they provide unpaid care to family and friends. 

The program will offer 1,592 grants nationwide, with each grant providing a young carer with up to $3,768 to assist them with the costs of education in the 2024 academic year.

With high inflation on groceries and bills, soaring rents, a housing crisis and low wages growth, funding is vital to help to support these young people to carry out their vital carer roles. 

Carers Australia is the national peak body representing Australia’s carers, advocating to influence policies and services at a national level.

Carers Australia CEO Alison Brook said young carers are hugely inspiring and provide a nurturing role typically beyond their years.

“However, caring comes with considerable pressure that can be very isolating,” she said.

“I’m so pleased we are able to provide some financial relief in the form of an educational grant to enable these young people to remain able and committed to their studies.”

Ms Brook said young carers are 12-25 years of age and provide substantial unpaid care to a family member or friend facing disability, illness, injury, mental health, and aged care, through to dependence on alcohol or drugs.

Most care for a parent or a sibling and more than a third care for two or more relatives.

Young carers help with many tasks like household chores, paying bills, personal care, giving medication and emotional support.

The grants available will impact and acknowledge the lives of those who are struggling to juggle caring duties alongside education, work and their own personal interests and development. 

Applications for the 2024 Young Carer Bursary Program will be open from 18 July to 12 September 2023.

For more information, or to apply, visit https://youngcarersnetwork.com.au/bursary/young-carer-bursary/