Young carers making a difference

Carers Week 2012 runs from 14th-20th October. Read the inspiring Indigenous carers stories on Indigenous.gov.au this week and help recognise and celebrate the contribution made by unpaid carers to the people they care for and their communities.

Anthony and Breannah Bin Omar from Broome, Western Australia are two of the thousands of young Australian carers who are looking after family members with a chronic illness, disability, mental health issue or who are frail aged.

Aged just nine and eleven years old, Anthony and Breannah provide support to their mother who needs some everyday care due to illness.

They help her with household tasks,such as household chores and caring for family pets, going to the shops and buying food. They also organise family visits if their mum is hospitalised.

Anthony said they do this “Because she’s our mum and we love her.”

Anthony and Breannah receive some support through The Australian Government Young Carers Respite and Information Service Program, which in the Kimberley is delivered by Red Cross Australia.

This program gives them time out of their caring duties to catch up on study or simply take a break. It also provides them with information services and advice.