Satellite Foundation and Tandem join forces to advocate for Young Family Carer Lived Experience Workers
Satellite Foundation and Tandem are proud to announce their collaboration to advocate for improved conditions for young family carer lived experience workers. This partnership comes in response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, which has prompted significant growth in the Lived Experience workforce across the sector.
Young family carers (YCs) represent a unique and often overlooked group whose experiences challenge the typical perceptions of family carers. These individuals, often under the age of 25 and sometimes still children themselves, provide essential unpaid support to a family member or friend. They greatly benefit from the advocacy and support offered by the young family carer lived experience (FCLE) workforce.
The joint statement developed by Satellite Foundation and Tandem draws on insights from young FCLE workforce members. It addresses the barriers to recruitment and retention that young carers face and highlights the gaps in current workforce documentation regarding their distinct experiences and challenges.
The statement concludes with key recommendations aimed at enhancing the growth, visibility, and success of young family carers within the Lived Experience workforce in the mental health and alcohol and other drugs sectors.
As one young carer noted, “The experience of being a younger carer lingers and stays with you throughout your whole life and continues to affect your life experiences and opportunities.”
This collaboration highlights the importance of supporting young carers and ensuring their voices are heard. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for this vital workforce.
View the full Joint position statement here
A high-resolution photo of Rose Cuff, CEO of Satellite Foundation, and Marie Piu, CEO of Tandem, is available for media use. The photo captures both CEOs discussing this exciting new collaboration, aimed at advocating for better support for young family carer lived experience workers.
More information
Satellite Foundation is a not-for-profit that connects and empowers children and young people aged 8-25+ who have family mental health challenges, many of whom have caring roles and responsibilities. This may also include those in families experiencing challenges with substance use, family conflict or violence, complex trauma, or other adverse life circumstances. We work together with young people to support their individual, ongoing growth and transformation journey.
Tandem is the Victorian peak body for family, carers and supporters in the mental health and wellbeing sector. With a sole focus on the needs and interests of mental health carers, Tandem provides leadership, coordination and knowledge for the organisations and individuals working to improve outcomes for Victorian people living with mental health challenges. Key to this work is Tandem’s promotion and elevation of the family carer lived experience (FCLE) workforce as an integral part of the mental health and wellbeing sector.
