In today’s world, much of our attention and resources are focused on providing care for those who are unwell, disabled, or otherwise in need of assistance. But in the shadows of these efforts lies a group of individuals whose contributions are often overlooked—young carers. These are children and young adults who shoulder the immense responsibility of caring for family members, balancing the demands of their own lives with the needs of their loved ones. This burden can be heavy, and too often, their needs go unnoticed and unmet.

That’s where Little Dreamers comes in. Little Dreamers is a charity dedicated to supporting young carers between the ages of 4 and 25, offering them the support and advocacy they deserve.

At Beyond, we are proud to have a partnership with Little Dreamers which allows us to contribute to the well-being of these remarkable young individuals by offering pro bono services in our clinics. We understand that young carers are often so focused on the health of their loved ones that they neglect their own well-being. Through this partnership, we aim to “care for the carers” by providing them with access to our allied health services, including physiotherapy, osteopathy, myotherapy, podiatry, exercise physiology, and more.

We want to share in this article a little bit more about Little Dreamers, a story that is close to our hearts, and, how you could also make an impact.

What is Little Dreamers?
Little Dreamers is Australia’s leading charity dedicated to young carers, defined as individuals aged 4 to 25 who care for a family member with a disability, chronic or mental illness, addiction, or frailty due to old age. Founded in 2009 by Madeleine Buchner OAM, who was herself a young carer, Little Dreamers seeks to address the challenges faced by these young people who often find themselves in caregiving roles far beyond their years.

The organization’s mission is to improve the quality of life for young carers by providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive. This support comes in many forms, from educational resources and mentorship programs to fun-filled Dream Experiences and retreats designed to give young carers a break from their responsibilities. Little Dreamers recognizes that these young individuals are often the unsung heroes of their families, managing tasks that might include cooking, cleaning, administering medication, or providing emotional support to their loved ones.

Young carers often face significant challenges that can affect their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. These include social isolation, academic difficulties, and the emotional stress that comes with balancing their own needs with those of the family member they care for. Little Dreamers is committed to advocating for these young people, raising awareness of their unique challenges, and providing them with the tools they need to lead fulfilling lives.

The importance of supporting young carers
Young carers play a critical role in their families, often sacrificing their own needs and ambitions to ensure that their loved ones are cared for. However, this selflessness can come at a cost. Research shows that young carers are more likely to experience mental health issues, struggle academically, and face social isolation compared to their peers. Many young carers report feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities, yet they rarely seek help, either because they are unaware of the support available to them or because they feel that their needs are not as important as those of the person they care for.

The long-term effects of caregiving on young people can be profound. Without adequate support, young carers are at risk of experiencing burnout, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Moreover, the demands of caregiving can limit their opportunities for education, employment, and personal development, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage.

Supporting young carers is not just a moral imperative—it is also essential for the well-being of society as a whole. By ensuring that young carers receive the support they need, we can help them to lead healthier, more balanced lives. This, in turn, allows them to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways and to reach their full potential.

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A story close to our hearts- Beyond Team Member Lorrae Griffiths shares her story.
Our daughter Sophie (7) has hemiplegic cerebral palsy, this means her body movement and function is affected on one side. Sophie requires assistance and supervision with most everyday tasks that children of her age are capable of doing on their own. Our son Xavier (10), is a young carer for Sophie. He is involved and assists her in many everyday tasks that siblings would typically not be involved in. Xavier is a very patient, caring and understanding child, who instinctively knows how and when to assist Sophie due to exposure to her disability since she was born.

A typical day would have Xavier helping Sophie with emotional regulation, modelling to and encouraging Sophie through day-to-day tasks such as getting ready for school, eating meals, feeding her when she is fatigued, practicing her home therapies, assisting self-care requirements and monitoring her safety. He supervises Sophie in the home, when her adult carers are busy with household tasks. Xavier actively participates in her therapy, and community sport (when she is too overwhelmed to be independent), her communication with unfamiliar people and physically helping her navigate unfamiliar environments. Xavier is selfless, despite greater attention being given to Sophie, and is her biggest cheerleader.

Q & A with Little Dreamer Xavier
What has been the best thing about Little Dreamers?

That I get a lot of opportunities to participate in many exciting and fun activities, I normally would not get to participate in, if not for Little Dreamers. It provides me with time that I can enjoy myself without worrying about anything else and allows me time to just be myself. Everyone at Little Dreamers understands what it is like to have a family member with a disability, and they know that life can be harder. It is nice to know there are other people out there that share the same experience.
What are you most looking forward to for Little Dreamers?

I am looking forward to the overnight camp in the school holidays, because I get to meet new people and do cool activities. It is so fun just like school camp.
I also am looking forward to growing up in Little Dreamers and having greater opportunities like becoming a Big Dreamer and helping with all the future Little Dreamers program

How to get involved
Refer a Young Carer

If you know a young person who is caring for a family member and could benefit from the support services provided by Little Dreamers, please encourage them or their family to reach out. Little Dreamers offers a range of programs designed to provide both practical and emotional support, helping young carers balance their responsibilities with their own personal growth and well-being. Click here for more details.

Donate

Financial contributions are vital for organizations like Little Dreamers to continue their important work. Your donations help fund essential programs, such as Dream Experiences, retreats, and mentorship opportunities, all of which provide much-needed respite and joy for young carers. Every dollar makes a difference and goes directly towards improving the lives of young carers. Click here for details.

Spread the Word

Awareness is key to ensuring that young carers receive the support they need. Share information about Little Dreamers with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people who know about the challenges young carers face, the more we can come together as a community to support them.

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