Young Caregivers
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
Youth, parents or guardians, or professionals can use AMI-Québec’s form to book a time to talk.
For ages 5+, they offer workshops and information and resources for families.
For young carers under the age of 14, they meet (virtually) with their parent or guardian to discuss what may help the family. Often, this is about sharing information around the diagnosis in an age appropriate way, and helping to open a conversation about how it impacts the young carer.
For youth aged 14-25, AMI-Québec offer individual follow up to discuss how to cope with mental illness, disability or chronic illness in someone close to them. They may discuss family dynamics, feeling different than peers, communication and boundaries, making emergency plans, and what the future may look like.
Their Young Adult Support Group brings together 18-35 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 evening 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.
Find useful information and help for young caregivers from L’Appui.
Their Caregiver Support Helpline offers for counselling, information and referrals. Available free of charge, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1-855-852-7784.
Young caregivers can receive help at the Alzheimer Society.
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.
