This workshop is for 10 to 14 year olds who have a loved one who has a disability, mental health challenges, or chronic illness, and who feel affected by that. They may worry because a parent experiences mental health difficulties, help a sibling with a disability get to school, or spend evenings with a grandparent who needs assistance, for example. We call these youth “young carers.”

Being in a space with other youth with similar experiences lets them know that they are not the only one who might:

• Experience stress about their family’s situation
• Worry for their family member during school
• Have responsibilities beyond what their friends have to do at home

Each night focuses on a theme, with a creative activity, along with games to explore topics related to helping someone you care about who is unwell. As each session builds upon the last, please plan for your child to attend all sessions, held in person at our office in Montreal. 

October 29 – What being a young carer means 

November 12 – Emotions, stress, adaptation and coping

November 26 – Emergencies and my support network

December 10 – Celebrating my strengths

Together, we will learn some basic information about health conditions, but our focus is on helping young carers take care of themselves, too. We will explore what care looks like in different families, and learn about healthy coping skills and self-care. Above all, the workshop creates a space and time dedicated just for them, to have fun.

Click here for more information about young carers.