Young carers sought for study

Young carers aged from eight to 25 and people who receive care from a young person aged over 18 are being sought for a major study.

The project aims to explore the costs as well as the benefits of what young carers do and the social policies that might support them and the people they care for.

It is being undertaken by a team of researchers from the Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC).

Two researchers from the centre are in Lismore this week for Southern Cross University’s ‘Every child is somebody’ conference which is being sponsored by the University’s Centre for Children and Young People (CCYP).

They are keen to hear from young carers or care recipients from Coffs Harbour to Tweed Heads willing to take part in an hour-long survey about their caring experience.

They are also happy for people to contact them once they return to Sydney and can do interviews over the phone if preferred, or return back to the Northern Rivers at a later date for face-to-face interviews if several people respond.

Their research is part of a three-year Australian Research Council-funded project being conducted in conjunction with The University of NSW.

As a ‘thank you’ participants will receive a $30 Coles/Myer voucher for their time and contribution.

For more information please call Robyn Fitzgerald (CCYP) on (02) 6620 3062 or Samia Michail (SPRC) on (02) 9385 7833.

Photo: Robyn Fitzgerald, from CCYP, supporting research into young carers.