VIC, Melton Young Carers Group

A recreation based, peer support group for young people (12-18 years) that have a parent, sibling or other family member that suffers from a mental illness.

Young carers may or may not live with the person they care for and may or may not provide daily care.

The group meets weekly from 4.30pm-6.30pm and runs full day school holiday programs including a one or two night retreat/holiday twice a year.

The main focus is to provide a safe place and time to 'chill out' with friends and enjoy a game of pool, board games, videos and chat. Outings to movies, fun parks and restaurants are also organised on a regular basis.

The program is co-facilitated with McKillop Family Services and funded by Carers Links West. McKillop and WRHC provide additional funding where required.

Regular qualitative consultation takes place to determine the satisfaction levels of participants. Participants are involved in planning and execution of activities throughout the school terms.

'Pathways to Resilience' Children of Parents with a Mental Illness Project, Oct 2002.

Brimbank/Melton Primary Care Partnership report...A collaborative partnership approach between McKillop Family Services and Western Region Health Centre - Community Mental Health Programs, Nov 2003.