Support for carers

We’re here for you too. We have support and information to help you as a carer.  

We hear from carers of people with sarcoma that it can be lonely and isolating. On this page, we have support to help you with looking after yourself.  

Talking to other people  

When you’re a carer, it might sometimes feel like you only talk to the person you care for. We want you to know that we’re here for you too. You can call the Sarcoma UK Support Line for a chat with one of our friendly healthcare professionals.  

You could also:  

• join a support group  
• join an online forum, like the Macmillan Carers Forum 
• chat with friends or family over the phone.  

If you can, it’s important to make time to spend with other family and friends. Having this support network can really help you, especially if they’re also able to help with caring responsibilities. You can let people know if you’re struggling.  

Looking after your mental wellbeing  

As hard as it can be, it’s important to take time for yourself to look after your own mental wellbeing, and continue doing what you enjoy. 

A lot of carers tell us they feel guilty about taking time to themselves, but if you talk to your loved one, they should be understanding and will want what’s best for you.  

If you’re struggling with your mental health, help is available. You can refer yourself to NHS talking therapies for help with anxiety and depression.  

You can also find more advice for your mental wellbeing on the NHS Every Mind Matters website.  

Looking after your health

Being a carer can affect your health in many different ways. As well as your mental health, it’s important to look after your physical health.  

• Try to eat healthy foods. It might help you to batch cook meals to save you time.  
• Get the free flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is free to carers. It helps protect you and your loved one from flu. Sarcoma treatments affect the immune system, making the person you care for more likely to get seriously ill with flu.
• Keep as active as possible. It’s not easy, but you could go for a short walk around your area, even doing laps so you’re never too far from home.  
• Get a good sleep. If you’re finding it difficult to sleep, the NHS has lots of support for sleep problems.  

Looking after your health will help you to feel better and help you take care of your loved one.  

Practical support  

If you’re a carer, you can get support from your GP, your local council, and your workplace.   

Support from your GP 

Your GP surgery can offer you support as a carer. If you tell them you’re a carer, they might be more flexible with appointments. They might also be able to direct you to local support groups. 

Support at work 

If you have a job alongside caring, you should tell your employer that you’re a carer. It’s important to be open and honest with your employer. They should have policies in place to be able to help you with flexible working.  

Support from your local council and government  

Ask your local council for a carer’s assessment. They can help to assess whether you need extra help with caring. Find out more about carer’s assessments on the NHS website.  

You might also be eligible for financial help. If you are looking after someone for 35 hours a week or more, you may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance. 

We have more information about financial support for carers.