Young Victorian carer Teresa Morgan and Try Youth and Community Services Young Carer Project Worker Hanna Maxwell took part in the 2nd National Young Carers Summit 2006 on the Gold Coast.

Organised by Carers Australia, the summit attracted young carers, federal, state and territory government representatives and service providers from the health and community sectors.

It purpose was to develop a two-year action plan to support young carers.

The summit was a balanced mix of hard work and a lot of fun, including an opening day spent at Movie World for all young carers and their support staff.

The summit involved delegates in out-of-the-ordinary workshops including meditation, jam sessions, creative writing, cooking and theatre sports, all aimed at teaching young carers other ways to express themselves and how they feel about being a young carer.

Ms Morgan was one of 100 young carers from across Australia to attend the summit and discuss experiences and opinions on the four key focus areas—respite, government, education and identification.

Try Youth and Community Services Young Carer Project sponsored Ms Morgan to attend the three-day conference. 

'She is very aware of the issues faced by young carers and the impacts that being a young carer can have on other facets of your life,' said Ms Maxwell.'

The Young Carer Project at Try is a statewide program that consists of a range of support services and recreational opportunities for young people with extraordinary caring responsibilities.

•           For more information contact Hanna Maxwell at Try Youth and Community Services at hannamaxwell@tryyouth.org.au or on 9347 2655.