SIBLINGS

Livewire Siblings is a new free, safe and supportive online community for young people (aged over 10 and under 21) who have a brother or sister living with a disability, serious illness or chronic health condition. It is a place for them to meet other siblings, share experiences with people who understand what they are going through, and gain the skills and knowledge to help them feel more in control of their situation.
-Chat online and meet other siblings who understand what they are going through
-Create a blog about themselves or stuff they are interested in
-Enter competitions and win awesome prizes
-Read content and information created just for them
-Check out the latest music and games
-Post in forums and have their say

Young people who join Livewire Siblings before 15 November 2009 will be in the running to win a Nintendo Wii.
Just go to http://siblings.livewire.org.au and complete the Livewire Siblings online registration. or contact the Livewire Support Team on (02) 8425 5971.

The Reach Out website has just been updated and includes a whole bunch of info on support when you're feeling down, alone, stressed, or if you have a friend who might be needing a helping hand. The website includes links to information about issues that affect young people, and to places where you can get support. There is also an online community forum where you can communicate with others.

Family Development Services is running a siblings support program for young people (13-18 years) who have a brother or sister with a special need. This is a new program in the Blacktown Local Government Area and is open to siblings from other locations.
The aim of this program is to help siblings identify and use positive strategies for living with a brother or sister who has a special need. It also aims to assist siblings by providing opportunities to connect and share experiences with others and develop an understanding of what it is like to have a special need. To learn coping skills, improve self esteem, be provided with tools to enhance communication and build stonger family relationships.
This free program will run once a week for six weeks starting February 2009. Keep checking the website for further details, or you can contact 9620-4194.

This research is being conducted by Jacqui Barr, a PhD student from Charles Sturt University. The purpose is to find out about the school experiences of primary school-aged siblings of children with disabilities.
If you would like to take part in this study, please contact Jacqui Barr by phone: 02 6332 9107 or email: jbarr@csu.edu.au

You can call this number any time you're feeling stressed and someone will be there to listen.
It's free to call too.

Siblings Australia has just updated their website to include forums for young, teen and adult siblings.
Young sibs will need parental consent to access the forums.

No, it's not quite how it sounds
Juggling Jam is a jam session of circus skills which is open to people of all ages and abilities. You can learn how to juggle, use the Diablo, balance and more. It runs from 6 - 9pm every Friday night at St. Canice's church hall in Katoomba. So come one, come all, learn some new skills, show off the skills you already have and make some new friends!

A website for adolescent Sibs, by adolescent Sibs.

Link is to information on what life can be like for siblings of children with disabilities.

Check out the ‘chill-out’room where young carers can chat to each other, play games, get info and resources and find useful links.

An organisation called Anglicare is running a program to support young carers. They assist with swimming lessons, camps, sports stuff, textbooks and more.
For more info contact Jose Brosas on 4731 8399 or email jbrosas@anglicare.org.au

For primary school-aged sibs.

A link to info about getting some respite, for when young carers need time to study.