First Symposium: Putting young carers on the map

The first Quebec-based symposium focused on young carers will be held on Friday, March 22, 2019 from 9am-4pm at Le Centre de Ressources Communautaire de Côte-des Neiges (CRC), 6767 Côte-des Neiges.

A growing number of young people provide an increasing level of unpaid care to family member(s) with chronic illness, disability, mental health or substance use issue and/or problems related to old age. So far very little attention has been paid to these youth in Quebec, with no dedicated support services or policies acknowledging their care-work. The symposium is aimed at putting young carers on the map.

The symposium is a first step in increasing recognition and awareness of young carers. Ultimately it is hoped to advocate for services that could address young carers’ needs, as well as encourage the development of a legal framework that could promote both awareness and support.

The symposium program includes an overview of the issue, the evolution of a young carers project in Ontario, research projects in Quebec, a cultural perspective, a testimonial of a young carer and a panel discussion.

The free symposium is organized by AMI-Quebec in collaboration with the Regroupement des Aidants Naturels du Quebec (RANQ) and is funded by Health Canada through the Community Health and Social Services Network (CHSSN).

Marguerite Blais, Minister of Elders and caregivers, Samuel Poulin, MP Beauce-Sud and Parliamentary Assistant to the Prime Minister (Youth Component) will be the guests of honor.

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AMI-Québec is committed to helping families manage the effects of mental illness through support, education, guidance and advocacy. By promoting understanding, the organization works to dispel the stigma still surrounding mental illness, thereby helping to create communities that offer new hope for meaningful lives.

Created in 2000, the Regroupement des Aidants Naturels du Quebec (RANQ) has 75 members and represents more than 20,000 caregivers throughout Quebec. The RANQ has acquired an expertise by working with caregivers and has developed an inclusive national strategy to support caregivers.