Support for Young Caregivers

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Finding balance as a young person in a caregiving role is not easy. 

You play a vital role, but you’ve also got your own life to think about. This might include school, part-time jobs and a social life. 

As a caregiver, staying connected to friends and family is an important way to take care of your mental health. Above all, remember that you are not alone. 

Here are a few tips to help you manage things: 

• Connect with the person you’re providing care for to gain a clear, mutual understanding of your role. 
• Ask for support from friends, relatives, and other people in your life. Maybe a teacher can extend a deadline, or a friend could run some errands for you. 
• Make a checklist of all your responsibilities. This keeps things manageable. 

Visit OCO’s online resource centre, created especially for young caregivers: 

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Work and Caregiving: A Balancing Act – Toolkit for Working Caregivers

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