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 ARE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE!
WE EMPOWER YOUNG CAREGIVERS WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR FRIENDSHIP, FUN & LEARNING!
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Program descriptionsYCP Night Monthly
Located in the same facility on the same night, both age groups of young carers have their own space with their own unique programs! YCP Teens: Designed just for teen young carers, each month provides an opportunity to discuss, relax and have fun. Through social recreational activities and relevant topics, teens are able to relieve stress, express themselves and know they are not alone! YCP Kids: A program for kids in a caring role to meet and develop self-esteem and coping skills. Through cool games and activities, young carers build resilience and friendship while meeting other kids like them and having fun! YCP S.I.B.S (Spectacular, Incredible, Brave Siblings) 6-Week Sibling Support Program 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 Workshops Monthly One-day workshops where members come together to learn a new skill. Designed around healthy living, coping skill development and fun, workshops have various themes including relaxation, sports and fitness, dramatic arts, teambuilding and leadership. Special Events Monthly An opportunity once a month for young carers to participate in different fun-filled outings such as a sports event, a beach day, a backstage studio tour or a science day, or a movie night. All About… 1 Day Workshops Unique and strategically designed workshops where children learn the cool science behind their family member’s condition to enhance their understanding and remove the fear of the unknown. Through age-appropriate, non-threatening fun activities and medical play, participants learn “all about” the basics behind the condition. |
YCP Day Camp and Leader In Training Camp 1 Week Sessions
An opportunity for larger groups of young carers to come together and participate in traditional day camp activities and specially designed programs to promote self-expression, esteem-building, resilience, friendship and fun. Youth Champions Committee Ongoing 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. To join this committee you do not need to become a member, simply email us and we will send you the application form. |
Where Are Programs Located? 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.
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 child firendly 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 child firendly material on a condition that the family member is diagnosed with.