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National Carers Week 11 – 17th Oct 2026

Read about the impact and invaluable contribution of 3 million unpaid carers in Australia, including more than 300,000 young carers.

National Carers Week 2026 – CaringKids

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At the 2023 National 201 Multiple District Lions Convention at the Gold Coast QLD the Category B: ‘Lions in Support of CaringKids Charity’ project was adopted from 2023 to 2026. Following a successful 3-year project, the project was adopted for a second Category B term, 2026 to 2029 at the 2026 National Lions 201 Multiple District Convention held in Adelaide SA. Lions Clubs across Australia will be bringing more joy to young carers by supporting this project. Lions Clubs across cities and towns are donating funds to create Joy Boxes and raise awareness of young carers.

The Lions International President’s Award recognises members who go above and beyond in their service – those who lead by example, strengthen their clubs and communities, and actively support the broader goals of Lions Clubs International.

“Play is a sign that children feel safe and nurtured and loved. They feel somewhat that they can be children even in the midst of great difficulty.”

International Day of Play is a time to celebrate the power of play.

We know young carers put caring ahead of play time.

Help us to reconnect young carers to the joy of childhood.

Join us for our 2nd CaringKids ‘Santa’s Little Helpers Morning Tea’  in 2026

Friday 27 November 2026
10am–12pm

Will & Mike’s Café, 14A Baker St, Banksmeadow, NSW 2019

Enjoy a festive spread of sweet and savoury treats with coffee or tea and you help us to spread a lot of Christmas cheer!

We asked you to bring a toy for kids aged 4–12 to place under the tree and you did … thank you for your generosity during this wonderful event. 

Tickets on sale now!

CaringKids helps children burdened with adult responsibilities. These young carers take on tasks such as housework, shopping, cooking, dealing with health professionals and even taking on financial matters.

In order to look after a family member, young carers put caring before study, school and play time. They often have to cope with the financial hardship that goes hand in hand with the cost of caring for a family member living with a disability.

There are over 235,000 children and teenagers in Australia caring for a disabled or chronically ill family member. On average they spend 6 hours a week on caring duties.

Because of their caring commitments, 22% of young carers miss a day of school per week. As a result they are around 1.5 years behind in NAPLAN.

Give to connect Joy Boxes to  young carers. Donations $2 and over are tax-deductible.

We help to bring joy to children caring for a family member living with a disability by delivering Joy Boxes to young carers. Our Joy Boxes are packed with toys, games and books that not only bring joy, but also allow children to learn and grow.

Just a few dollars can help put a smile on a child’s face.

If you would like young carers to experience the fun and carefree moments that we associate with childhood,  a tax-deductible donation of $75 will deliver a Toy Box to a child caring for a family member.

Our Toy Boxes are delivered to the doorstep of young carers across Australia.