A Young Carer is someone aged 25 years or younger who provides unpaid support for a family member affected by disability, chronic or mental illness, addiction or conditions related to ageing. 

Research shows that two out of three Young Carers face mental health challenges of their own, which are often exacerbated as a direct result of the demands of their caring responsibilities. That’s why we’re creating a safe space for Young Carers to receive the specialised psychological wellbeing support that they deserve. 

We’ve engaged in thoughtful conversations with Young Carers to ensure that their voices and needs shape our Hub. This collaborative, co-designed approach ensures that our clinicians are attuned to the unique challenges and complexities of their caring roles.

Our mission is to create a world first Young Carer Wellbeing Hub that plays a significant role in improving the mental health and wellbeing of Victorian Young Carers. We want Young Carers to feel safe, heard and empowered while they receive evidence-based, best practice support from specially trained practitioners. We give Young Carers the tools and strategies to manage their mental health and wellbeing which they will carry for life. We’re committed to making the Hub a place of respite, acceptance and community for Young Carers, allowing them to take a break from their caring duties and focus on their own wellbeing.

The YCWH aligns with the core values of Little Dreamers – hungry, humble and kind. And as a mental health and wellbeing service, we also follow a unique set of values that are the foundation of the work that we do with Young Carers. 

1. We approach all situations and people with curiosity by asking thoughtful questions.
2. We help Young Carers and families to experience safety by being reliable, consistent and transparent.
3. We feel compassion and understand that you are a human being, just like us.
4. We promote a culture of acceptance so you can show up exactly as you are.
5. We provide support that is for you, led by you.

Our new Hub is a vibrant and welcoming community space designed to support Young Carers, located in St Kilda. Set within a beautiful, light-filled building, the Hub feels warm and inviting from the moment you walk through the door.

Inside, you’ll find a reception area that offers a friendly point of contact, and three thoughtfully designed therapy rooms that provide calm, comfortable spaces for one-on-one sessions and group support. We also have kitchen facilities and gender neutral bathrooms on site.

The Little Dreamers HQ is also housed at the Hub, where our team works hard to create and deliver support programs to improve the quality of life for Young Carers across the country.

Big thanks to the Brian M. Davis Charitable Foundation for their support in helping us to get the Hub up and running!