As you know the new school year is upon us and for many it can be a very stressful time financially. By the time you buy new shoes, uniform items, books, not to mention a tablet or laptop that most schools now use, the dollars begin to add up big time.

The Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre (CCRC) are offering a little help and alleviation for young carers during this time. Not only are young carers finding themselves navigating through their childhood and teenage years, but they are also caring for a family member or friend who has a disability or chronic illness, mental illness included.

The Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre, an Australian Government initiative managed by LiveBetter Community Services in the Central and Far West regions of NSW, may be able to provide support with education costs such as school excursion expenses, sport fees and school activities that might add extra expense to the family budget.

“Most of them don’t realise this assistance is available”

Orange Senior Respite Coordinator, Deborah Covelli-Field said, “It is so important to let these young carers and their families know of the financial supports available to help them while at school. As it stands, most of them don’t realise this assistance is available and most of them as well as their families don’t identify the role they play, as a ‘carer’, that is half the difficulty.”

This amazing program has been assisting carers and their families for almost 20 years, helping to take some pressure off and alleviate stress and anxiety, the team hope to continue this life-changing work.

Deborah continued, “We are there to help young people in our community who are carrying more than most on their shoulders. With educational support, especially during Year 12 - we can assist with getting them tutoring if needed, in the past we have even helped financially with driving lessons at PCYC to give them a bit of independence, they often don’t get the opportunity to spend with their friends, or even study sometimes.”

Funding for this support is set to be available until the end of June. If you are a young carer and would like information about the support available to you, please contact the CCRC on 1800 052 222 or if need be, ask your teacher, year co-ordinator or a trusted adult to call on your behalf.