Satellite and Tandem CEOs Advocate for Young Carers on Inner FM

Satellite CEO Nadine Bartholomeusz-Raymond and Tandem CEO Merewyn Foran recently joined Jon King on Inner FM’s Knocks Offs to discuss the Statewide Young Carers Network’s “Make Young Carers Visible” campaign in Victoria.

During the interview, Nadine and Merewyn shone a light on the experiences of young carers and the reality that many young people do not self-identify as carers. This can contribute to barriers in education, social isolation, and difficulties accessing the support they need.

“I spent the last 18 months as a full-time carer for a much-loved family member with mental health challenges… It was a period where I tried to navigate a system that left me overwhelmed, left me feeling unsupported and unseen. My caring role was exhausting. I felt isolated. I felt in a constant state of hypervigilance and I felt that I just couldn’t see a way through.” Merewyn, responding to the question: What drew you to Victoria’s mental health care sector?

Throughout the interview, Nadine and Merewyn highlighted the importance of earlier identification in schools and called for increased government funding for age-appropriate support. They also advocated for the expansion of Mental Health and Wellbeing Local services and a formal statewide strategy that recognises and responds to the diverse needs of young carers and their families.

Nadine also spoke about how people can support a young person in their lives:

“I think one of the key things that they should do is actually just listen and provide an ear for that young person to talk to them. It doesn’t matter how old they are. Sometimes just being there is probably the most important thing… And then actually understanding where they might possibly lend support and where they can go next”

Satellite values opportunities like this to bring greater visibility to the experiences of young carers. By sharing their voices and stories with a wider audience, we can help build greater understanding, strengthen community awareness, and encourage more accessible and meaningful pathways to support.

Listen to the full interview below:

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Learn more about the Make Young Carers Visible campaign here