We're here as support for carers as well as cancer patients, says Anne Crofts of Sheffield's Weston Park Hosputal

We are here to support you through this difficult time. You may be feeling quite isolated or wondering what is reasonable to ask of friends and family.

You may not even recognise yourself as a carer and desperately want to be a friend, wife, husband, partner or colleague again.

Often support is only sought at a crisis point. It is easy to feel cut off and not feel heard in a time when focus primarily is on the person who is being cared for.

It may be that the reassurance of a contact number is all the support that you need. Or that regular calls at an agreed time from a healthcare professional is your preferred choice.

Our aim is to help guide you through those difficult and anxious days. To be an advocate if required or someone who can help guide you through the healthcare system. A professional who can empathise with your needs.

The current COVID pandemic has brought its own challenges and with the added pressures of shielding this has only heightened an already stressful situation.

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Having someone who can listen and lend a sympathetic ear can make all the difference in terms of self-management of a difficult situation.

We can help you be honest about your own needs and not to feel guilty about allowing time for yourself and taking time out. Also, not to forget who you are and what makes you happy. How to support yourself. Always remembering that you need look after yourself so that you can care for someone else.

Caring also brings its own financial concerns and worries. We can offer appointments for free legal advice regarding wills and lasting power of attorney as well as welfare advice. Our welfare advisors can advise and assist with benefits, carer’s allowance, pensions, debt and housing issues.

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by cancer and needs support then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call 0114 553 3330 and select option one to speak to one of our healthcare professionals.

www.westonpark.org.uk

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