Guest speaker Fred Ford is Volunteer and Chair of Young Carers (PATS) program reference group at Gateway Community Health Wodonga. Gateway Community Health was established in 1994 as a non-government, not for profit organisation that provides a range of health services throughout the communities of North East Victoria and the Albury/Wodonga region. Gateway Community Health Service believes in working with people to promote, preserve and enhance health through working in and valuing a collaborative approach to health with individuals, communities and other agencies. Fred gave us details of the PATS programme supporting young carers of parent and family members with mental illness … a support network of activities culminating in a camp during school holidays where communication and sharing of experiences is paramount. PATS is an 8 week program that focuses on providing accurate information about mental health/illness, exploring stigma and perception, skills on self care and improving sense of self and self esteem and ultimately a chance for group members to have some time out, relax and have fun.