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Alison’s Story

From a very young age, Alison’s world was shaped by her mum’s mental health challenges and addiction. As the oldest child in a single parent family, Alison found herself taking on responsibilities far beyond her years as an informal carer for her mum and siblings.

Things changed when she was 17, when for her own wellbeing, she moved out of home and interstate.  Alison finished school and secured a scholarship for university. But her newfound freedom was short-lived.

When Alison was barely 18, she received a call that would change all of this – her mum was in hospital and wasn’t expected to live. Her younger sister was also seriously ill with her own mental health challenges, including anorexia.

“I just can’t stress how crazy of a time this was…such a crazy, hectic period, and I felt very alone.”  

Alison had one week to find a rental and set up a home so she could take custody of her younger sister. The alternative – her seriously ill sister would go into foster care.

Managing her sister’s recovery including being on 24hr suicide watch – meant the stakes couldn’t be higher. Alison did this for two years solo.

Unfortunately, Alison’s story isn’t unique.

1 in 5 Australian children have a parent with a mental health challenge.

Satellite Foundation is the only organisation in Victoria that offers specific support for young people living with family mental health challenges.

 

Your donation today will help provide critical support for young Australians caring for family members with mental health challenges.

  • $500 – helps to give children in remote and rural areas access to vital mental health support online
  • $5,000 – helps to fight stigma around mental health for primary and secondary aged kids and open opportunities for creative discussion and learning
  • $10,000 – helps to provide young carers with pathways for learning, professional experience and employment opportunities often missed due to caring responsibilities

Yes! I will make a contribution by 30 April 2025 to a matched fund to help young people like Alison get the support they need.

Credit Card

Direct Deposit

  • Account number – 340 489
  • BSB – 033 028
  • Reference – Include donor’s name and ‘matched fund’
  • Email us with the details of your donation so we can issue a receipt

If you would like to organise an invoice for a pledged amount, please contact emma@satellitefoundation.org.au

Satellite Foundation is a charity that has been endorsed as a deductible gift recipient. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia. ABN 89132053180

 

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