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Who we are.
Who we are.
The Young Caregivers Collective of Canada (YCCC), formerly Young Caregiver Council of Canada, is a community of youth and young adult carers dedicated to representing and mobilizing the stories and wisdom of young carers across Canada. The YCCC is an initiative of the Azrieli Foundation's Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence.
Young caregivers (also known as young carers)* are generally understood as young people who support a family member or friend living with chronic illness, disability, mental health challenges, substance use, parental absence, aging needs, and/or other social or cultural factors (e.g., financial insecurity, language difference. etc.).
Watch this video to learn what a young carer is, and meet some of our members!
*Many may not resonate with the term "young caregiver/carer" or see themselves as 'caregivers'. That's okay! If you support someone in your life or have a close family member/friend that experiences challenges, we would love to connect with you.
Are you a young carer?
Are you a young carer?
If you do any of these things for a grandparent, parent, sibling, and/or other close family member or friend, you might be a young carer:
manage someone's medicine and medical supplies
feel guilty or worried about someone when you are with them and/or away from them
accompany or drive someone to appointments, social gatherings, grocery shopping, etc.
help emotionally regulate someone, de-escalate someone or a situation, call emergency services to support someone, protect and keep someone safe, navigate someone's mental health crises
provide guidance and advice, keep someone feeling happy, comfort someone when they are facing challenges, keep someone connected with their community and supports
assist someone with toileting, clothing, showering, moving around, doing their hair, etc.
help someone communicate with others, advocate for their rights, manage their finances, navigate health and social services and systems
and many many more.
What we do.
What we do.
The YCCC is made up of youth and young adults aged 14 to 30 with diverse care experiences (past and/or present).
Our group fosters community through shared care experiences and collaboration on advocacy efforts, events, and projects. Young carers engage in initiatives including social media development, conference presentations, panel speaking events, research projects, stakeholder meetings, networking, and outreach activities.
In addition to participating in Community Nights and Community Drop-ins, members have the opportunity to engage in our annual collective project through monthly Task Meetings. Through this project, young carers contribute to the topics and tasks that they are most passionate about.
Our collective supports three important pillars: Advocate for Change, Support Community, and Value our Stories.
Advocate for Change
Advocate for Change
We engage in initiatives, events, and projects in collaboration with professionals, researchers, organizations, and institutions that build awareness, support, and resources for young carers and families.
Support Community
Support Community
We prioritize community through inclusion, shared understanding, mentorship, and a genuine interest in each other's well-being.
Value Our Stories
Value Our Stories
We advocate for ownership over our own stories through direct involvement in the decisions that impact our lives. Our stories belong to us. Our stories matter.
Join our Collective!
Join our Collective!
If you are a young person with care experience, living in Canada, and between the ages of 14-30 (or close to), please reach out to Rebekah, our National Lead, to chat about joining our community.
Other Ways to Connect
Connect with us on Instagram by clicking the logo below, by email at youngcaregiverscollective@gmail.com, or by sending us an information request.
Rebekah A. Gold, MA
Co-Founder and National Lead, Young Caregivers Collective of Canada
Research Affiliate, Young Caregivers Association®
PhD Candidate, Child and Youth Studies, Brock University
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