The Carers WA Youth Advisory Group (YAG) is a group of eight young people aged 16 – 25 years with current or previous experience of being a young carer. *
The YAG aims to give young carers a voice by:
- Giving the members a say in the programs, policies and initiatives that affect young carers at Carers WA
- Involving the members in training and upskilling opportunities
- Empowering the members to help develop their own policies and procedures
The YAGs overarching intention is to advocate around issues that impact young carers at an organizational, local, state and national level.
In 2024 the YAG contributed to program development, policies, and government submissions on a local, state and national level.
Notable highlights from the past year include an inaugural meeting hosted by the Hon. Sabine Winton at Parliament House during Carers Week 2023, where the young carers shared their experiences and ideas. This meeting marked the beginning of an ongoing dialogue to ensure better support for young carers.
Another highlight was the release of ‘Cooking Up A Healthy Mindset’, a cookbook and wellness guide created by the YAG to fit the theme of Youth Week 2024, “Head, Body, Heart”. The book, dedicated to all young carers, offers a variety of quick, wholesome recipes and relaxing wellness activities.
*A “young carer” is a person under the age of 25 who helps support a member of their household who is experiencing a mental health challenge, disability, long term health condition (including a chronic condition or terminal illness), a substance dependency or who is frail aged.
