The Millennial generation are often labelled as the ‘me’
generation but the uncomfortable truth is that 420,000 Australians under 24 are
caring for a disabled or severely ill parent, brother or sister.
This phenomenon is something Founder of Carers Foundation
Australia, Ronnie Benbow, is determined will not go unnoticed.
This year, with the help of a $50,000 grant from Queensland
giving circle Women and Change, Ronnie provided respite for almost 100
Queensland teen carers suffering stress or depression associated with caring.
“We have given these teens, who are often isolated from
friends because of their caring responsibilities, the opportunity to be
supported and connect with other people in similar situations,” Ronnie said.
“This is often for the first time they have met other teens
and friends who can relate to exactly what they’re going through,” she
said. “Teenage carers arrive to our wellness
programs totally stressed, full of anxiety, mostly depressed, angry and
resentful – the suicidal thoughts amongst them is a great concern.”
“They have no choice but to do what they do and they see
things as children they should never have to see,” says Ronnie. “Yet after three days in our care they are
transformed.”
Ronnie explained that funding for this important respite is
hard to come by and that a group of community minded Queensland women had come
to the rescue.
“Women and Change, a group of over fifty women, pooled their
funds and chose us as their grant recipient last year,” says Ronnie.
Women and Change is Queensland’s first ‘giving circle’ and
has given away over $250,000 since it was established in 2014. Each year at
least 50 members donate $1000* to provide an annual $50,000 grant to a
Queensland charity helping people in need.
“Our grant process uncovers hidden figures like Ronnie
and the Carers Foundation who are putting their heart and soul into helping
people whose needs we either don’t hear about or understand,” says Chair of
Women and Change. Genevieve Fraser.
“As individuals we could not afford to support a programme
like this but together we have been able to change the lives of these teens,”
she said.
“Previous grants have helped change the lives of Queenslanders
in need from refugee women in the city (Muooz restaurant) to families
geographically isolated from health services in outback Queensland (Outback
Futures).”
“When our members heard from Ronnie at our voting night they
saw that the Carers Foundation permanently changed the lives of these teenage
carers.
“Finding funding for these activities is a constant struggle
for a grass roots community group like Carers Foundation.”
“Our 2019 grant application process closes at the end of
August and we are keen to see which great causes this uncovers,” said
Genevieve.
*Women and Change
Women and Change Young
members donate $500 per annum while Ordinary members donate $1000 in either a
lump sum or monthly payments with 100% of funds being tax deductible. 100% of
donated funds are provided to the charity selected by the members.
**Carers Foundation mid-year report to Women and Change
showed that
- 100% attendees learnt a new strategy to use when
returning home so they can cope
- 98% of children stated they were less depressed
than on arrival (reduction in suicidal tendencies)
- 97% reported reduced anxiety with levels of up
to 10/10 on arrival, reduced to 1-3/10 on departure
- 99% reported they were much happier and less
stressed
