“ Being a carer quickly became my norm - I didn ’ t know any different .”
Courtney ’ s story
Drawing on personal experience to support young carers
Courtney Howard joined Carer Gateway as a Young Carer Engagement Advisor in February 2023 . A carer since she was seven years old , Courtney brings unique insights from her own personal experience as a carer to her role . Even young children find themselves taking on caring roles ! Courtney ’ s Mum , Marg ( a solo parent ) was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis ( MS ) when Courtney was seven and her brother Blake , was just three . Courtney says her caring role has constantly evolved over the years as her mum ’ s health improved or declined in line with her MS . “ Being a carer quickly became my norm - I didn ’ t know any different . We had a home care package in place and some great family friends too . That meant we were still able to participate in after school activities that we enjoyed , like dancing and Scouts ,” remembers Courtney . “ My brother and I helped around the house and took on more responsibilities as we got older . We also had constant carers coming through the doors , so there were always new faces .” Courtney took on responsibilities like cooking , laundry and helping to pay bills , and sometimes stepped into a quasi-parenting role with her brother . The siblings were able to care for their Mum overnight when she needed it , then get their own breakfasts and walk themselves to school . Looking back , Courtney recognises that she experienced anxiety around change . At high school , a school counsellor connected her with young carer support groups , where she found friendship and camaraderie with others like herself . In 2017-18 Courtney spent two years in the UK , and now lives in Melbourne with her partner and Shih Tzu dog , Jazzy . She speaks with her Mum over the phone every day , and helps out on free weekends . She ’ s also able to take leave from work to care for Marg during relapses . Now she ’ s working in carer support , Courtney wants to ensure that young carers have access to all the support and opportunities they can . “ I spend lots of time getting to know young carers and identifying their stresses , then working out how we can help . It might be financial , school or personal stress . It helps to be a good listener !” Courtney encourages young carers to reach out and advocate for themselves . “ Don ’ t undermine your experience and what you do because someone else might seem like they ’ re doing it harder , or because you don ’ t identify as a carer . Remember that while your caring role is important and does matter , you matter as well . Please reach out for support and get help to find things that work for you .”
Issue 02 2023 | 11