AMI Quebec Young Carers Focus Group (Loyola)

• Does your sibling live with a mental illness?
• Do you have a parent who struggles with addiction?
• Do you help take care of your grandparents?
• Do you have a loved one living with a disability?

You may be a young carer and we would love to hear from you!

In Canada, there are a growing number of young people under the age of 25 (“young carers”) who are helping to provide ongoing care and support to family members or other loved ones living with a chronic illness, disability, mental health or substance use issue and/or problems related to old age.

This can compromise the caregiver’s physical, mental and social well-being, but so far very little attention has been paid to these youth in Canada, and there are no dedicated policies or services supporting their needs.

WE ARE GOING TO CHANGE THAT!

One of the first steps is to hear from young carers themselves!

We would like to hear about your experience; how has it affected your life? The choices you made? What could have helped to reduce the burden?

If you identify yourself as a young carer and you are willing to share your experience, please join us at a focus group that will be held on :

• Wednesday, November 20^th 11am-12:30pm GM 300.22
• Wednesday, November 20^th 1pm-2:30pm JMSB 5.285
• Thursday, November 21^st 10am-11:30am CC 403

These focus groups will help us to develop the next steps, as we aim at increasing awareness and recognition of young carers, and influence policies and services.

And if you know someone else who fits the definition of young carer, please share it with them. Young carers are often the last ones to identify themselves as young carers!

For more information please call AMI-Quebec 514 486 1448