HAGERSVILLE—While some kids are learning how to ride a bike, others are learning how to administer medication to a sick parent.
That reality is at the heart of Young Caregivers Day, which will be recognized across Canada on May 22, 2025.
The national awareness day aims to shine a light on the thousands of children, teens, and young adults between the ages of five and 25 who are helping care for a loved one at home. From siblings with autism to grandparents with dementia, young caregivers step into complex roles – often without the recognition or support they need.
“This is the first year we’re really putting a spotlight on Young Caregivers Day,” said Cayleigh Sexton, Executive Director of the Young Caregivers Association (YCA). “These youth are such an important part of the care team, but they’re often invisible to professionals who don’t know to look for them.”
While adult caregivers have seen a growth in public awareness and resources in recent years, young caregivers remain a largely hidden population.
Sexton noted that there is no systematic way to identify young caregivers in schools, clinics, or hospitals, even though they are frequently affected by and involved in the care of a loved one.
“There’s an assumption that these kids are just helping out in small ways, like babysitting,” said Sexton. “But the reality is that they are providing emotional, physical, medical, and personal support on a daily basis.”
To change that narrative, the Young Caregivers Association has built programming designed to meet these youth where they are. Their services include one-on-one counselling, group programs, life skills training, and summer camps, all designed to help young caregivers develop coping strategies, build community, and celebrate their strengths.
One of the cornerstone programs is Caregivers Night Out, a weekly session during the school year that gives young caregivers a space to relax and connect with peers who understand their experiences.
“It’s their night,” explained Alicia Blake, YCA Team Lead and Program Coordinator, of the regular gatherings. “They get to be with others who know what they’re going through. We do games, arts, and talk about the monthly theme – this May it’s ‘Young Caregivers Unite.’”
Blake, who oversees programming in Haldimand, said such meetings are vital in helping participants feel seen and supported: “We focus on creative expression, emotional awareness, and having fun,” she said. “It’s a break from their daily responsibilities – and an opportunity to feel proud of who they are.”
One especially popular event has been the summer camps hosted by YCA. Last year, a rain-soaked ‘Olympics Week’ in Haldimand became a cherished memory for many campers.
“Our young caregivers embraced the rain and played outside anyway,” said Blake. “One participant was finally brave enough to go off the diving board for the first time – everyone was cheering. It was a moment of joy and triumph.”
Many of the activities are tailored to create access to experiences that caregiving families might otherwise miss. Whether it’s going swimming, attending a Ti-Cats game, or learning to cook a new recipe together at a themed dinner, the programs are designed to nurture connection and confidence.
In honour of Young Caregivers Day this year, YCA will be hosting a special program called “Celebrating You” in Haldimand. Blake will lead the event, which focuses on helping young caregivers reflect on their strengths and take pride in their roles.
“We call them the hidden superheroes of their families,” she said. “They each bring something unique, and we want to make sure they know that.”
That message is crucial in overcoming the misconceptions professionals often have about young caregivers.
“There’s a tendency to see them as victims or assume they need to be rescued from their role,” said Sexton. “But many of them want to help and feel empowered by what they do. We need to listen to their voices and understand what support looks like from their perspective.”
Still, there are challenges. The lack of formal recognition in schools, healthcare settings, and public policy means that many young caregivers struggle to access the help they need.
Sexton said the goal for the next five years is to see systematic changes in how these youth are identified and supported.
“We want to see every teacher, doctor, therapist, or case worker asking the right questions,” she said. “Who else is affected by this diagnosis? Is there a child in the home who also plays a role? That’s how we start to build real support systems.”
Currently, any young person or family interested in joining YCA’s free programming must first be identified as a young caregiver through a simple intake process.
Sexton and Blake both emphasized that raising awareness is a key step toward reaching more families — especially in rural or underserved areas.
“We’re always looking for new registrations in Haldimand and beyond,” said Blake. “All of our programs are free, and we tailor everything to the unique needs of each young caregiver.”
With events, outreach campaigns, and digital engagement planned across the country, the message of Young Caregivers Day is clear: these children and youth are not just helpers – they’re an essential part of Canada’s caregiving network. To learn more, visit youngcaregivers.ca.
