Tom's Story - A Story from the Young Carers Program

Tom’s mum first contacted UnitingCare Wesley Bowden whilst she was being treated for breast cancer. She and her two daughters, who suffer from mental health issues were being cared for and supported by Tom, who is not even a teenager yet himself. Tom has little help from other family members as his grandparents are very ill and his father is not around. Tom’s mum was feeling guilty that she could not look after her family and was relying on Tom to take on the parenting role. As a result of this his school work was suffering and he was under a lot of pressure which she felt he was bottling up and could not talk to anyone about.

UnitingCare Wesley Bowden registered Tom with the Young Carers Program and domestic assistance was organised to help alleviate some of the pressure he was facing due to having to take on the parental role within the family structure at such a young age. UnitingCare Wesley Bowden has linked Tom and his two younger sisters into social activities with other carers, as well as offering him counselling. Tom has begun to open up about what is going on at home and is making strong friendships with other Young Carers who understand what he is going through.

Tom was struggling to balance his home and school life since his mum had been diagnosed with breast cancer so UnitingCare Wesley Bowden also arranged for him to receive tutoring assistance. This has really helped him to improve at school and allows him to have someone to talk to about what is going on at home.

Although Tom and his mum know that there’s a long road ahead of them, they now feel that they have support and assistance to get them through the tough times. Tom is able to continue with his caring role at the same time as supporting his family, and his mum no longer feels guilty that she is taking his childhood away.