Caring for someone who has cancer

When someone close to you has been diagnosed with cancer, it is natural to be unsure about how best to support them. Often, just being present can be a helpful action and can make a meaningful difference to their experiences. Please remember not everyone will want to always talk about their condition, sometimes the distraction of a lighthearted conversation can be a welcome break for them. Your support is more powerful when it is guided by the preferences of your loved one. Please remember everyone’s experience of cancer is unique.

Financial support for carers

The financial support that carers might be eligible for is Carer’s Allowance. There are different criteria and eligibility for this support. In addition to Carer’s Allowance, you may also be eligible to receive further financial support, including Universal Credit, a council tax reduction and Pension Credit (if you have reached State Pension age).

For more information on Carer’s Allowance and other benefits, including a full list of eligibility criteria and how to make a claim, please click the following link to the GOV.UK website

Resources

Carers UK

Support carers with respite, activities and more:

Wandsworth carers centre website

020 8877 1200

info@wandsworthcarers.org.uk

Merton and Croydon Carers First website

0300 303 1555

hello@carersfirst.org.uk

Sutton Carers Centre website

020 8296 5611

enquiries@suttoncarerscentre.org