Am I a young caregiver?
A young caregiver is someone between the age of 6 and 25 who is affected by or cares for a loved one who has a chronic illness, disability, mental health concern, substance use issue, and/or problems related to old age or socioeconomic status.
Being a young caregiver can also mean being a caregiver for someone who doesn’t live with us or isn’t part of our family, such as a friend, neighbour or other relative. It could mean having more responsibilities at home because one of our parents is a caregiver.
The term young caregiver can refer to children, youth and young adults.
Resources for young caregivers
For 18-30 year olds in Québec supporting a loved one with a mental illness: Young Family and Friends support group, guidance and counselling, resources, and advocacy.
Their Young Adult Support Group brings together 18-30 year olds who are struggling with their own mental health or who are worried for a friend or family member’s mental health. This will be a space where young people can discuss how mental health, life transitions, and caring for others affects their life. Free. Held online on one Monday eveing a month, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. No registration is required.
For youth across Canada under 25 with a family member with a disability, mental illness, or chronic illness.
Helplines for young carers
The KARE Magazine, available in English or in French, includes information and stories about what being a young carer is like, emotional regulation and self-care strategies, tips for balancing school and caregiving, media recommendations, and where to find help.
This one time guidebook was created in 2024.
Created by AMI-Quebec and RAANM.
Caregiver’s Compass
An uplifting, inspirational podcast talking about all things caregiving. Therapist and caregiver Stephanie Muskat takes you through real-life caregiving stories from her own therapeutic experience and gives you the raw and personal on her own caregiving experiences as a young caregiver. Plus hear from tons of incredible experts and caregivers who are living through their day-to-day journeys.
If you are unable to access, but would be interested in reading, any of these books, please contact Anais, Caregivers’ Circle Program Coordinator by email at afortinmaltais@jhpartners.net.
For young carers:
| Title | Author |
| Death Benefits | Sarah N. Harvey |
| He Never Liked Cake | Janna Leyde |
| All Siblings Are Important: Words and Artwork That Celebrate All Sibling Relationships and the Feelings They Bring | Laura Camerona |
For intervenors working with young carers
| Title | Author |
Did you know?
questions?
Please reach out to Anaïs, our Caregivers’ Circle Program Coordinator, by email at afortinmaltais@jhpartners.net, or by phone: 581-446-7476.
