This month marks the arrival of Carers Week (12th-18th June), an annual campaign supported by Macmillan Cancer Support to highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
Nearly 1.5 million carers in the UK provide unpaid support to a friend or family member with cancer, and yet half do not get any support.
Macmillan’s mobile service is stopping off on the Isle of Wight on Wednesday and Thursday next week where the team will provide free, confidential, support to anyone with a concern or a question relating to cancer or caring for someone with the disease.
Wednesday 14th June
St Thomas Square, Newport
10:00-16:00
Thursday 15th June
Tesco Extra, Ryde
09:00-15:00
Charlotte Argyle, Carers Support Programme Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:
“As the number of people diagnosed with cancer continues to rise, even more people are looking after their friends and family (2). Many people don’t see themselves as carers and don’t get support because they don’t know it’s available.
“Cancer carers do everything from giving medicine, taking their loved one to hospital, and being there to listen – whilst trying to stay positive and hold everything together. We want to make it as easy as possible for carers to get the support they need”.
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Helen Mitchell, a Macmillan Information and Support Specialist on the unit, said:
“Caring can be a fulfilling and positive experience, but caring without enough support can have a negative effect on someone’s health, career, relationships and ability to live a life of their own.
“We’re here for anyone who has any questions or worries about caring for someone affected by cancer, whether it’s about you, a relative or friend, come on board the bus and talk to us. We can also help signpost you to local services that can provide ongoing support.”
