Big Dreamers: A Space to Be Yourself
Young Carers often grow up faster than their peers. While other teenagers are thinking about school, friends and what they’re doing on the weekend, Young Carers are often budy helping a family member get dressed, supporting them with medication, or staying home when friends go out because someone they love needs them.
In this video, we meet some of the Young Carers who have taken part in Little Dreamers’ Big Dreamers Program, including Mary, who cares for her brother who lives with epilepsy; 13-year-old Logan, who cares for his mum; and 14-year-old Cassie, who cares for her sister.
They speak openly about both the challenges and the rewards of caring. Having significant responsibilities from a young age has taught many of them independence, maturity and empathy. And as one Young Carer puts it, “It feels good to make somebody else feel good.”
But when so much of your life is focused on someone else, finding space to simply be a teenager can be difficult.
Co-designed with Young Carers, Big Dreamers is a personal development program for ages 13–18. It gives Young Carers the chance to connect with people who understand their experiences while building confidence, exploring their goals and passions, and focusing on their own future.
For some participants, that has meant becoming more socially confident. For others, it has meant feeling more comfortable opening up and talking about their caring role.
Most importantly, Big Dreamers creates a space where, for a while, the focus can be on them.
Watch the video to meet some of our Big Dreamers and hear what being a Young Carer means to them.
