Through the Cracks: Walking in the shoes of a young carer is an experiential activity that aims to raise the awareness of service providers to the issues, experiences and needs of young carers. This activity is conducted as part of the Young Carer Awareness Training.

The activity simulates the experience of children and young people in a caring role who are attempting to navigate the service system. The activity is intended for use with service providers only.

The objectives of the activity are to:

• Introduce key issues and experiences of young carers who are caring for a parent with a dual diagnosis.
• Identify and reflect on the challenges in negotiating service systems as a young carer.
• Raise awareness and develop service providers’ empathy regarding young carers’ experiences.
• Encourage service providers’ commitment to improving service delivery to young carers and their families.
• Encourage service providers to adopt the No Wrong Door* approach in order to maximise all young carers’ potential to access support through any channel.

*The No Wrong Door approach asks service providers to always see themselves as a referral pathway for a young carer, even if they themselves are not able to offer an appropriate intervention or support.

For more information please call the YC Team on 1800 242 636 or email [email protected].