Carers NSW 🌐
Carers NSW is the peak not-for-profit organisation for unpaid carers in New South Wales, with a vision of an Australia that values and supports all carers. They provide information, advocacy, research, and policy work to ensure carers are recognised and supported across the state.
For young carers, Carers NSW runs a free, state-wide Young Carer Program for those aged 25 and under who help support a family member or friend living with a disability, mental illness, drug or alcohol dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness, or who is frail. The program supports young carers through information and referrals, emotional support, newsletters, awareness workshops in schools and universities, and connections to other programs and services.
Carers SA 🌐
Carers SA is the lead Carer Gateway provider in South Australia, offering a range of supports for carers including carer breaks, one-on-one support, and a strong advocacy role to ensure the carer voice is heard.
They provide counselling, coaching, peer groups, emergency respite, and tailored support packages for carers of all ages.
Their Young Carers program provides a variety of support for young carers aged 5–25, with a focus on advocacy and information, connection, wellbeing, and social support — including young carer breaks, peer groups, individual coaching, and six free counselling sessions with a professional young carer counsellor.
They also offer a five-week psychosocial wellbeing program for young carers that can be facilitated within schools.
Little Dreamers 🌐
Little Dreamers is Australia’s leading young carer organisation, supporting young people aged 4–25 who provide unpaid care for a family member affected by disability, chronic or mental illness, substance use, or frail age, operating across VIC, NSW, and QLD.
Their programs include Dream Experiences, school holiday programs, the Big Dreamers personal development program for teens, coaching, counselling, tutoring, and peer support.
The Benevolent Society – Carer Gateway 🌐
The Benevolent Society has been chosen as a Carer Gateway service provider across Metropolitan Sydney, and serves as the first point of contact for carer services in these areas.
Carer Gateway is a free, nationwide program that supports the wellbeing of carers of all ages, including young carers under 25, delivering services in-person, by phone, and online with no referral required.
For young carers specifically, the program recognises the unique challenges of balancing caregiving with education, work, and personal life, offering tailored services including information, counselling, respite care, and practical assistance.
Services include peer support, tailored support packages, coaching, counselling, online courses, and emergency respite.