Important Information Regarding COVID-19
The Young Carers Program is still offering programs online. We are still accepting referrals, completing intakes, and are available to answer any questions you may have. Throughout the summer we will be offering 3-4 programs weekly, as well as 2 weeks of virtual summer camp. Please e-mail [email protected] for more information.
The Young Carers Program is still offering programs online. We are still accepting referrals, completing intakes, and are available to answer any questions you may have. Throughout the summer we will be offering 3-4 programs weekly, as well as 2 weeks of virtual summer camp. Please e-mail [email protected] for more information.
Programs and services
The Young Carers Program offers a variety of FREE programs, workshops and special events throughout Toronto. YCP provides social, recreational, educational, and skill development opportunities for Young Carers by connecting them with peers, building resilience and self esteem, and giving them time to have fun! Programs include sports, group activities, expressive arts, drama, movies, games, field-trips, homework assistance, coping skill development, leadership, cooking and nutrition, medical education and more! Gain access to all our activities by becoming a member!
All services and programs are provided at no cost to our members.
All services and programs are provided at no cost to our members.
WE EMPOWER YOUNG CAREGIVERS WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR FRIENDSHIP, FUN & LEARNING!
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Program descriptions
At the Young Carers Program, we provide a wide range of programming to support Young Carers aged 5-18. At each program, we integrate conversations and activities that help explore the challenges of being a Young Carer, the positive aspects of care-giving, and what Young Carers can do to support themselves while navigating their care-giving role.
Skill Building Workshops
Our workshops are designed to teach new skills that these Young Carers can use in their day-to-day lives. Some examples of our workshops include:
S.I.B.S (Spectacular, Incredible, Brave Siblings) is our YCP sibling support program. This program provides an opportunity for children caring for a sibling with an illness, disability, or special need to unite and learn from each other. Through self-expression and specially designed activities, children learn about aspects of their sibling’s condition and brainstorm ways to help themselves, while building coping skills and resiliency.
YCP Nights and Social Events
Being a Young Carer often comes with increased responsibiilties at home. To help alleviate some of the stress, we provide fun social events for our community of Young Carers where they can have fun and just be kids. Some examples of these events include:
YCP Camp
Our program offers three weeks of camp to our members. Camp is filled with skill-development, leanring, acitivities, special guests, and lots of FUN. Below are a list of the camps we offer to members:
A leadership opportunity for young adults aged 17-24 who are or were a young carer. While uniting as a group and drawing strength from cohesive support, the committee helps guide the Young Carers Program while spreading awareness in their communities.
Skill Building Workshops
Our workshops are designed to teach new skills that these Young Carers can use in their day-to-day lives. Some examples of our workshops include:
- Cooking workshops
- Mindfulness workshops
- Self-care workshops
- Back to school workshops
- Leadership workshops
- Sibling workshops (S.I.B.S)
- Homework help
S.I.B.S (Spectacular, Incredible, Brave Siblings) is our YCP sibling support program. This program provides an opportunity for children caring for a sibling with an illness, disability, or special need to unite and learn from each other. Through self-expression and specially designed activities, children learn about aspects of their sibling’s condition and brainstorm ways to help themselves, while building coping skills and resiliency.
YCP Nights and Social Events
Being a Young Carer often comes with increased responsibiilties at home. To help alleviate some of the stress, we provide fun social events for our community of Young Carers where they can have fun and just be kids. Some examples of these events include:
- Sports and athletic activities
- Holiday parties
- Social outings
- Sporting events
- Concerts
YCP Camp
Our program offers three weeks of camp to our members. Camp is filled with skill-development, leanring, acitivities, special guests, and lots of FUN. Below are a list of the camps we offer to members:
- One week of March break camp (ALL ages)
- One week of Leaders in Training (LIT) summer camp (age 12+)
- One week of summer camp (ALL ages)
A leadership opportunity for young adults aged 17-24 who are or were a young carer. While uniting as a group and drawing strength from cohesive support, the committee helps guide the Young Carers Program while spreading awareness in their communities.
Programs are facilitated in different areas of Toronto, and hosted through other agencies and organizations in order to best meet the geographic locations of our families.
Want to know What's happening right now with YCP? Check out our calendar below!
WE HELP CHILDREN AND TEENS VALUE THEIR FAMILY ROLE, THEIR HEALTH, AND THEIR FUTURE GOALS!
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Supporting Families Beyond Programming
Advocacy is a service provided to families by request. This can include working with other social service agencies to request follow up on specific services. It can also include working with schools to ensure they understand the needs of young carers when they are late or absent from school, or if they are behind in their homework. Advocacy is particularly helpful for those who have difficulty expressing their needs or voicing concerns. Advocacy can also include helping families understand systems and policies, as well as making communication easier between two parties.
Referrals are made when a service is needed that we do not provide, such as one on one counselling. When a family is in need of counseling, they can be provided with a list of service providers who offer it for youth as well as adults. Staff can also facilitate the referral by making phone calls to set up appointments if needed.
Information and resources are given to families and members as it is requested. This can consist of connecting families to specific resources in their community, or it could be providing families with age appropriate material on a condition that the family member is diagnosed with.
Referrals are made when a service is needed that we do not provide, such as one on one counselling. When a family is in need of counseling, they can be provided with a list of service providers who offer it for youth as well as adults. Staff can also facilitate the referral by making phone calls to set up appointments if needed.
Information and resources are given to families and members as it is requested. This can consist of connecting families to specific resources in their community, or it could be providing families with age appropriate material on a condition that the family member is diagnosed with.