Case for support
Strong families where everyone is valued, supported, encouraged, and championed.
Siblings: Acknowledged. Connected. Resilient
What is the issue at hand?
Family is the foundation of society with the sibling relationship often the longest relationship of a person’s life. For siblings of people with disability or chronic illness, we need to make sure this foundation is strong and supported.
For 25 years, our for-purpose organisation has developed a national and international reputation for our work with families and the professionals who support them, through a variety of programs, supports, advocacy, and research.
Siblings Australia is dedicated to fostering strong families where every member is valued, supported, encouraged, and championed. We recognise the unique challenges faced by siblings of children and adults with disabilities and chronic illness. They are often overlooked and experience feelings of isolation, guilt and loss, and can struggle to fully support their brother or sister and participate wholly in family life. Left unaddressed, these feelings can lead to long-term emotional and mental health challenges. Our mission is to provide siblings with the tools and resources they need to thrive while also creating a more harmonious and supportive home environment for the family member with a disability or chronic illness.
of adult siblings reported family stress was an issue during childhood. 84%
of adult siblings experienced anxiety during childhood.
of parents identified family stress as an issue for young siblings. 73%
of adult siblings reported depression during childhood.
Our approach
Making sure siblings are seen and supported
Self-Acceptance and Bond Strengthening
To enhance self-acceptance and strengthen bonds with their brother or sister with disability/chronic illness, enriching both their lives, siblings need recognition and to feel seen, understood, and valued for their unique experiences.
Resources and Connections
Providing siblings with the necessary resources and connections helps them to navigate their experiences with confidence and skill, contributing positively to family dynamics, and fostering a sense of inclusion and shared responsibility.
Our services
01 | Resources
Comprehensive information for children, teens, adult siblings, and their parents, covering all stages of the sibling journey.
03 | Networking and Peer Support
Facilitating connections and mutual support among siblings to build a strong support network all around the country.
Teen
02 | Counselling
Professional support tailored to the unique needs of siblings.
04 | Training and Accreditation
Educational programs and credentials to better support siblings and their families.
Through these services, we equip siblings with the essentials they need to thrive and confidently engage in their roles, strengthening family bonds and creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
Our impact
Siblings Australia is the only organisation in Australia dedicated to supporting siblings of people with disabilities and chronic illness, playing a crucial role in helping these siblings thrive. Disability or chronic illness impacts the entire family, and while many families grow stronger together, others face significant strain. Our programs empower siblings to navigate these challenges, ultimately enabling them to better support their brothers and sisters. Strengthening sibling relationships enhances the wellbeing of the entire family.
“There is a significant unmet need for sibling-specific support services in Australia. Research indicates that siblings of individuals with disabilities often experience emotional and social challenges that are not adequately addressed by existing programs. We are uniquely positioned to meet this need, with more than 50,000 individuals benefiting from our services in the past four years alone.
As an insurance model, the NDIS is underwritten by the assumption that a person has strong and enduring informal supports in place. Siblings are often the foundation of this support.
The work of Siblings Australia has deeply affected my life. The impact of my childhood on my personal development will forever be deeply marked by growing up with 3 brothers with disability. All my life I have battled with the fall-out of being born into my extraordinary family, both negative and positive. It has made me both tough and fragile. In my moments of fragility, I am deeply grateful that Siblings Australia exists.
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“Siblings Australia has been an eye-opening organisation to engage with. I had been struggling throughout my adolescent and adult years with caring responsibilities. I was at odds with this and not managing well. It has been life changing to learn that I am not alone in this journey and through Siblings Australia I now have access to tools and resources to help me navigate my sibling journey.
“By focusing solely on sibling-specific needs and collaborating with other organisations, we ensure that this essential support is effectively delivered nationwide. Recent economic modelling shows that, conservatively,
Siblings Australia delivers $28 of community benefit for every $1 invested which equates to an annual community benefit of at least $19,643,800 in saved NDIS and other health care costs.
Alex & Arlo e-books downloaded 1,000+
SibConnect participants connected nationally 209
SibChat members 856
352
Parents and professionals enrolled in our sibling-centric training
Unlike other organisations, we offer comprehensive programs tailored to siblings, such as SibWorks and TeenSibs, which are recognised nationally for their effectiveness in building resilience and fostering connections. Our specialised focus and proven track record of successful outcomes make us a leader in this space.
We have a core team supplemented by casual staff, contractors and partner organisations. We have a skills-based board offering governance oversight.
Siblings Australia provides supports for siblings across the lifespan, including:
Teen
A peer support program for siblings aged 8-12
National online and in-person peer groups
Chat
An online private chat group exclusively for adult siblings
CONNECT
National, statebased, peer support groups that provide an opportunity for siblings to connect in person
Provision of a range webinars which cover a variety of topics designed to increase skills, knowledge, and confidence for parents and siblings to better navigate the sibling journey
Tools and resources for adult siblings who are future planning with their brother or sister with disability
Through the last 25 years, Siblings Australia has supported siblings at all stages of their journey, fostering strong families where everyone is valued and supported.
Through the last 4 years alone, we have provided more than 50,000 touch-points of support for siblings and families.
Our work has been instrumental in making sure that siblings are seen and supported, and have the resources and connections to equip them to navigate the sibling journey with greater confidence and skill.
But our work is far from complete. By standing behind us and offering your support, we can embark on essential priority projects.
Imagine the moment when life shifts dramaticallythe moment when an adult sibling suddenly finds themselves at the helm of caring for their brother or sister with a disability. It could be a gradual transition, or it might happen in the wake of a family crisis, such as the loss of a parent. In these moments, the love and commitment that siblings feel is undeniable, but so is the overwhelming sense of responsibility.
SibPlan exists to ensure that no sibling faces this journey alone. We provide practical tools, resources, and guidance tailored specifically to the unique challenges of sibling caregiving. But beyond that, SibPlan is a beacon - a connection to others who understand the journey, a source of strength, and a beacon of hope.
As we look to expand SibPlan, we envision a future where every adult sibling is equipped not just with information, but with a community. A place where they can connect, share their experiences, and find comfort in knowing that they are not alone. This expansion will deepen our impact, allowing us to reach more siblings and offer them the support they need when they need it most.
We are asking for your support to help us build this network. By supporting SibPlan, you are not just contributing to a program; you are investing in the resilience of families, the dignity of people with disabilities, and the well-being of those who love them. Your contribution will empower siblings to navigate the complexities of caregiving with confidence and compassion, ensuring that they can honour their family bond while also caring for themselves.
SUPPORT
In families touched by disability or chronic illness, the ripple effects are profound. While the focus often lies on the individual with the condition, the impact on siblings can be just as significant, yet often overlooked. Each sibling’s experience is unique - some may feel a deep sense of responsibility, others might struggle with complex emotions like guilt or frustration. What remains constant, however, is the need for support, understanding, and a safe space to navigate these challenges.
Our SibSupport service is here to provide that space. We understand that mental health and well-being are crucial, not just for the individual, but for the entire family. That’s why SibSupport offers tailored counselling services designed to meet the specific needs of each sibling, whether they’re a child, adolescent, or adult. Our individual sessions allow siblings to explore their feelings, set personal goals, and find their path forward. For families, our group sessions create an environment where shared experiences foster deeper understanding and stronger bonds.
But SibSupport is more than just counselling - it’s an anchor in uncertain waters. Through our workshops and seminars, siblings and families gain valuable insights into mental health, self-care, and the tools they need to thrive in the face of adversity. And with the flexibility of online or in-person sessions, we ensure that support is accessible, no matter where you are.
This program is about empowering siblings to take care of their mental health and well-being while navigating the challenges that come with having a family member with a disability or chronic illness. By supporting SibSupport, you are helping us build a stronger, more resilient community where no sibling has to face these challenges alone.
We invite you to join us in making SibSupport a beacon of hope for families across our community. Together, we can ensure that every sibling has access to the support they need to thrive.
Teen
Being a teenager is challenging enough on its own, but when you’re also a sibling to someone with a disability or chronic illness, those challenges can multiply. The teenage years are a time of selfdiscovery, of figuring out who you are and where you belong. For many teenage siblings, this journey is made even more complex by the unique responsibilities and emotions that come with being part of a family impacted by disability.
Teenage siblings often find themselves balancing school, friendships, and their own personal growth while also navigating the intense feelings that come with seeing their brother or sister struggle-and the challenges experienced by their parents. They might feel isolated, misunderstood, or even overwhelmed by the weight of their role. And while parents and teachers can offer support, sometimes the only people who truly understand what they’re going through are other siblings.
That’s where TeenSibs comes in. We know that no one understands the sibling experience better than another sibling, which is why our program focuses on creating connections between teenage siblings who share similar experiences. Through regular virtual and in-person peer groups, TeenSibs provides a safe space for teens aged 13 to 18 to connect, share, and support each other.
In these groups, teens can talk openly about their feelings, challenges, and triumphs, knowing they’re surrounded by peers who get it - because they’ve been there too. It’s a place where they can let their guard down, learn from one another, and build lasting friendships with others who understand the complexities of being a sibling in a family touched by disability or chronic illness.
TeenSibs is more than just a support group: it’s a community where teenage siblings can find their voice, gain confidence, and realise they’re not alone in their journey. By funding TeenSibs, you are helping us expand this vital program, ensuring that more teenage siblings have access to the peer support they need during these formative years.
Join us in empowering the next generation of siblings to not only cope but thrive, with the understanding and support of others who truly understand their world.
