Melbourne Citymission launches Is Everything OK at the OK Corral?
As part of National Youth Week, Melbourne Citymission's Sibling Program will premier Is Everything OK at the OK Corral?: Movie Mayhem on Thursday 15 April, from 5.30 – 7 pm at Merrilands Community Centre, Reservoir.
This project is part of the way Melbourne Citymission is supporting teen carers and siblings who have a family member with a chronic illness, disability, mental health issue or drug or alcohol concern.
For teenage carers and siblings who have a brother, sister, parent or other family member with special needs, life can be complex. The added responsibility and complications of caring for this family member with special needs can impact on their school, social life, career choices, goals and a myriad of other aspects of the journey of a young person.
Many of these individuals are providing essential hands-on and emotional care, and are 'young carers' at either a primary or secondary level, without whom families could not function. They do this at a time of great change and transition, a challenge for any adolescent to successfully negotiate.
For teen siblings and young carers to achieve their full potential, they must receive adequate acknowledgement, education and support. They also need opportunities to normalise their situations by learning that there are many others in their community facing the same challenges, and by meeting with these peers.
 Members of the Sibling Program working on the script for 'Is Everything OK at the OK Corral?' |
They need respite too - a vital break from their families and roles, to be able to relax and act their age! Siblings and young carers need to meet with professionals in the wider support network, who can provide inspiration, education and information in their transitions to independence, careers, further study. We celebrate the role of young carers and teen siblings in this western-themed film, made as part of National Youth Week.
It is an event open to anyone interested in the community, so come along.
Further groups and support can be accessed by contacting the Sibling Program on 9385 3211 or emailing: siblingprogram@mcm.org.au
Melbourne Citymission
For 155 years, Melbourne Citymission has worked with disadvantaged people across Melbourne and Victoria. Every week we help thousands of people build a clear pathway out of disadvantage, economic exclusion and social isolation.
Our services support:
- people to find a pathway out of homelessness
- disabled people to get the resources and support they need to live the life they want
- people to break the cycle of poverty and abuse
- people to find jobs, or enter into education and training.
