What does it mean to be a 'young carer'?

Madeleine Buchner, the founder and CEO of Little Dreamers, joins Care for Carers in our first episode, hosted by Janson Hews, Director of Communications, Engagement & Education of the Parliament of New South Wales and Parliamentary Executive Sponsor of the Carers Inclusion and Diversity Group.  

Madeleine started Little Dreamers when she was nine years old, and it has now grown to be the leading Young Carer Organisation in Australia. Madeleine began as a carer when she was four years old to her younger brother who has a range of chronic health conditions. At the age of fourteen, Madeleine found herself thrust into another carers’ role, this time for her mum who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Madeleine has also been a carer for her grandmother.

Madeleine and Janson discuss the difficulties of intergenerational care, the unique experiences of young carers, chronic to-do lists, digital literacy, and the importance of legislative change.   

The Care for Carers podcast is produced by the Carers Inclusion & Diversity Group at the Parliament of NSW. The Carers group aims to celebrate, educate and highlight the complex responsibilities that come with caring for someone with a mental illness, disability or for an older person.