The Young Carers Project - EENet

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September 19, 2017

The Young Carers Project: Meeting the needs of young carers in Kitchener-Waterloo region Background In Ontario, 17% of caregivers are between 15 and 24 years old.1 In 2012, there were over 1.9 million young carers across Canada.2 These children and youth experience a change in their family role because a family member has an exceptional need or there is a unique family situation. This need can include a physical illness or disability, or concerns related to mental health, substance use, or addictions, as well as barriers related to language and culture.

The Young Carers Project The Young Carers Project (YCP) is a local community collaborative that is working to help young carers access the resources they need. The collaborative consists of representatives from community-based organizations across the Kitchener-Waterloo Region, as well as a number of former young carers. The aim of the project is to raise awareness of the existence young carers and their needs and, through this work, to influence the creation of

policies, services, and supports that meet the needs of young carers, locally, provincially, and nationally.

About the program The Young Carers Project developed several evidence-based resources for young carers and those who support young carers, as well as a training workshop for providers from communitybased organizations. It also contributes to a peer program for young carers.

Evidence-based resources In partnership with the University of Waterloo Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program, the Young Carers Project in engaged in

 

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 create resources that will help them meet their

needs and manage their roles; and  help community-based agencies to understand

young carers and build capacity to better support them. The result of this work is Support Matters - a By Us For Us Guide, launched in February 2015. This research-based guide, written by young carers, provides resources and information about how to cope the responsibilities of caring for someone else. In addition, it provides guidance for adults and community-based organizations to better support young carers. The guide is available in English, French, and Spanish. Another resource is the Young Carers Documentary, a short film that powerfully portrays the lived experience of five young carers.

Support Matters training workshops The workshop training program was launched in 2014 with following aims:

an initiative to:  identify the needs of young carers in the community;

 Educate and raise awareness of the existence of

young carers;

 reduce stigma associated with being a young

 Support understanding about the role of a young

carer;

carer and the impact that caregiving can have on their identity, relationships, and those around them; 2

 

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 Provide resources and tools to support young

carers, including an action plan for how to move forward in supporting young carers. Typically, the workshops have between 10 and 20 participants and are two hours in length. Storytelling and discussion are important components and young carers are involved in facilitation and design of the workshops. Since 2014, over 300 service providers have taken part in the training workshops, usually educators, health-care professionals, adult allies, and youth. “Adult allies can make a huge difference in the life of a young carer. Though the Young Carers Project, resources and training are available to help providers to support young carers in their family or work.” says Holly Mathers, chair of the Young Carers Project.

Lessons learned

Project members are also undertaking an evaluation of the workshops and plan to use a train-the-trainer model to extend their reach across Ontario and enhance their sustainability.

This initiative has been supported by a grass roots community collaborative, largely driven by a need to enhance understanding and awareness of the needs of young carers in the area.

Peer program

Local partnerships have been essential to support this work, and will continue to be needed to ensure the program can be sustained over the long term.

In the Fall of 2017, the City of Kitchener launched the Young Carers Peer Program in collaboration with the Young Carers Project. This weekly program includes free workshops to help young carers connect with peers, build resilience, and participate in social activities.

As the needs of young carers continue to increase in Ontario and awareness is raised on the issue, the need for collaborative action based on the experiences of young carers will become increasingly important. 3

For more information about the Young Carers Project, visit the website: http:// youngcarersproject.wordpress.com or follow YCP on Twitter @youngcarersp.

References 1. The Change Foundation (2016). A Profile of Family Caregivers in Ontario. Retrieved from http://www.changefoundation.ca/profile-offamily-caregivers-ontario/ 2. Statistics Canada (2012). Young Canadians providing care. Ottawa, Ontario. Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-652-x/89-652x2014003-eng.htm#a6 Author: Alexandra Harrison September 19, 2017