Caring for someone with cancer

A carer is an individual who provides regular and substantial care on an informal basis. They can be any age, including children and young people. You do not have to be the sole carer, a close relative or live with the cared for person. You do not have to be in receipt of carers allowance or benefits to be a carer.

Identifying as a carer can be hard until you realise how much care and support you are providing to someone else.

Macmillan benefits and financial support

Information and advice relating to financial support for carers, can be found in the Benefits and Financial Support section of the Macmillan Cancer Support website.

Northern Trust Carer Hub

The Northern Trust’s carer hub is a central contact for local support and information. We have a carer’s co-ordinator who can help you, by providing advice, information and information support.

Equality Unit

Route Complex, 8e Coleraine Road, Ballymoney, BT53 6BP

Telephone: 028 2766 1210
Email: carers.coordinator@northerntrust.hscni.net

Cancer Caring Coping

Queen’s University has conducted research which has shown that if you care for someone who’s affected by cancer, be that a family member or a friend, then your health can also be affected. You can experience a range of emotions: you can feel confusion, anger and sadness, and you can feel like your whole world has been turned upside down. You might also experience a range of needs including the need for information and the need for support and care for yourself.

As a result of the research, a group of people who’ve been affected by cancer have developed a website to share with you their views and experiences of what worked for them. What’s important is that you look after yourself.

Read stories and experiences of real cancer caregivers.