Thanks to the Satellite Foundation for sharing with us about their services and how they connect with and support carers.
Satellite Foundation (Satellite) works alongside children, young people and families across Victoria navigating family mental health challenges. Satellite supports young people aged 8 to 25 and recognises family broadly, including biological and chosen family, kin, community, supporters and friends. Many of the young people Satellite work alongside take on caring responsibilities for a parent, sibling or other family member, often without identifying as a young carer. We also acknowledge that mental health challenges can intersect with alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and other complexities.
Satellite’s purpose is to create safe, creative and inclusive spaces where young people can connect, express themselves, build wellbeing and feel less alone. Grounded in lived and living experience, this work is delivered through peer-based programs, creative projects, youth and family support, advocacy and community partnerships across Victoria, helping young people and families make sense of what is happening in their lives.
What is unique about Satellite is that young people often remain connected with them over many years, moving in and out of programs and support as needed, while staying part of a trusted network of peers and support where they feel understood, can express themselves creatively, and know they are not alone.
Many of the young carers may miss out on recognition, understanding and support. Alongside emotional strain and worry for the people they care for, many experience disruption to education, difficulty attending or keeping up at school, financial stress within the family, social isolation, and limited time or space to focus on their own wellbeing. Many also carry a deep sense of responsibility, often putting the needs of others ahead of their own. At the heart of it, what many young people need most is to feel understood, connected and less alone.
Satellite provides a range of supports for young carers including:
This Autumn, Satellite created more opportunities for children and young people by intentionally extending their reach into communities where support can be harder to access. Programs included hands-on workshops such as Common Threads and PhotoGraff, alongside accessible at-home creative activities that enabled participation from wherever young people were across Victoria.
Satellite’s next round of school holiday activities can be found on their website.
Professionals and organisations can contact Satellite via:
Email: hello@satellitefoundation.org.au
Phone: 1800 973 444
Website: satellitefoundation.org.au
Address: Wurundjeri Country, 22 Easey Street, Collingwood 3066
Young people, families and carers can connect with Satellite via:
Email: hello@satellitefoundation.org.au
Phone: 1800 973 444 (connect with our Engagement Team)
Website: satellitefoundation.org.au
Address: Wurundjeri Country, 22 Easey Street, Collingwood 3066
