Shining a Light on Young Carers: Rose Cuff on Ticker TV
9 July 2025
Satellite Foundation CEO Rose Cuff highlights the invisible work of young carers and the power of creativity in building resilience.
On Thursday 26 June, Satellite Foundation CEO Rose Cuff joined Ticker TV to discuss the growing awareness around paternal mental health and its impact on children, coinciding with recent findings from a Deakin University study and the national spotlight of Men’s Health Week.
In the interview, Rose called the study “timely,” noting that while fathers are taking on more at home than ever before, we still have a long way to go in supporting men’s mental health as a society. The conversation served as a powerful reminder that children are often deeply affected by a parent’s wellbeing—particularly when mental health challenges are involved.
The unseen weight young carers carry
When asked about the 9,000+ young people in Victoria who identify as carers for a family member with mental health challenges, Rose shared that many of these young carers go unnoticed.
“Often people imagine a young carer helping physically—bathing or feeding someone,” she explained. “But many are providing emotional and mental support. They’re hyper-aware of their family member’s behaviour and wellbeing. They’re the first to notice if something’s not right. We call this the ‘invisible backpack’—a constant sense of vigilance that can be incredibly draining.”
Early intervention: making the invisible visible
Rose emphasised the importance of both systemic and practical early interventions. This includes simple but powerful actions—such as adult mental health services routinely asking parents about how their children are coping, and families having safety plans in place for crises.
“Children need access to a trusted adult, and opportunities for meaningful, fun experiences—both individually and as a family. These are the protective factors that can really shift outcomes,” Rose said.
Creativity as connection and healing
Satellite’s work is built on the foundation that creativity is a powerful tool for resilience. Rose described how creative expression helps children and young people share their stories, connect with others, and feel less alone.
“We’re all creative—even if we don’t think we are. Through activities such as storytelling, art-making, music, mask making and film, young carers can express things they may not have the words for. We’ve seen children grow through our programs—from attending their first creative workshop to later joining our Youth Advisory Council and helping lead change.”
Looking ahead
Though the interview time was short, Rose made it clear that with the right support, young carers can thrive—and creativity plays a vital role in that journey.
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