VICTORIAN YOUNG CARER ACTION TEAM (VYCAT)

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TO JOIN THIS GROUP

Carers Victoria is looking for young carers aged 14 to 24 years to join this group.

What is VYCAT?

VYCAT is a group made up of 10 - 12young carers (aged 14 – 24 years) from across Victoria and two Carers Victoria staff members.

VYCAT started after the Young Carer Summit in 2006. It gives young carers in Victoria a chance to meet, talk, share, have fun, contribute their opinions on important issues that relate to them and guide Carers Victoria in making decisions that effect young carers.

What does VYCAT do?

  • advises Carers Victoria on issues that are important to young carers
  • shares information, experiences, stories, ideas, strategies and resources relevant to young carers
  • gives input into new projects and policies
  • has opportunities to participate in decision making both at a state and national level
  • lobbies government for assistance
  • raises awareness of young carers in the community
  • has fun and some respite

The overall purpose of VYCAT is to increase the quality of life for young carers.

What is involved in being a member of VYCAT?

Carers Victoria asks all members of VYCAT to:

  • Attend 6 meetings per year. These meetings are usually held at either Carers Victoria in Footscray or in central Melbourne. Meetings are usually held on Saturdays or in the school holidays.
  • Communicate with Carers Victoria staff members between meetings as needed

From time to time other projects come up for VYCAT members to become involved in. For example

  • National Young Carer Forum
  • Australian Young Carer Action Team (ANYCAT) National young carer network
  • Mentoring Program
  • WCF Thomas Charitable Trust/Rotary Young Carer Scholarship selection group
  • Carers Victoria newsletter
  • Speakers Bank and Carer Forums
  • Community talks and conference presentations
  • Media Training
  • Carer consultation groups
  • Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (Youth Reference Group)
  • and lots of others!

Young carers who have the time and interest to do these sorts of extra projects can nominate to become involved.

$$$$’s

Carers Victoria covers the costs involved in VYCAT. This includes travel by public transport, food and the cost of any outings or activities. VYCAT members are reimbursed the costs they incur.

How do you get involved? How long does it last?

Every two years there is an open call for nominations advertised on Carers Victoria’s website and through Carer Respite Centres and other service providers.

Young carers interested in becoming a member of VYCAT should complete the call for nominations form and return it to Carers Victoria by the due date.

Young Carers who have applied may be asked to come to Carers Victoria for an informal interview. A selection committee comprising Carers Victoria staff and past members of VYCAT then decides on VYCAT membership to ensure that a diverse range of young people are involved.

Membership of the group is for up to 24 months with a requested 12 month minimum commitment Past members of VYCAT may reapply to continue their involvement with VYCAT.

We hope you will apply to join!

Any questions please contact Kalu Edmunds, Carers Victoria (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays,Fridays) on 03 9396 9500 or

VYCAT
Victorian Young Carer Action Team /
2014 Application form – Due 25th August / Application #:
Thanks for your interest in VYCAT. These questions will help us get to know you and what you have to offer.
About You – The Young Carer
Name: / Date of birth: / / /
Address:
Postcode:
Phone #:
Mobile #: / Email:
Your school/education institution name (if applicable):
Cultural background (tick any that may apply) / Parent / Young Carer (you)
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
Born Overseas
English is not your First Language / 

 / 


Who do you care for (or help care for)?
What is their condition or disability?
How long have you been caring for them?
Tell us a little bit about what your caring role involves
Why do you want to be involved in VYCAT?
What skills, experience or knowledge do you have that would be valuable to VYCAT?
In your opinion what are some of the issue facing young carers at the moment?
You may submit one letter of support with your application
Consent:
I consent for this application to be made available to the Selection Panel and appropriate Carers Victoria staff members subject to Carers Victoria’s Privacy and Confidentiality Policies.
Your name: / If aged under 18 years
Parent/Guardian name:
Your signature: / Parent/Guardian signature:
Would you like Carers Australia to hold on to this application in a database for future project work and correspondence? / Yes
No
Thank you for applying for VYCAT, please submit your written application to:
Mail:
Carers Victoria
Attn: Kalu Edmunds
Level 1/37 Albert St
FOOTSCRAY VIC 3011 / Email:

Fax:
(03) 9396 9595

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