The Cancer Council of NSW provides a wonderful support service for carers of people with cancer.

The Cancer Council of NSW provides a wonderful support service for carers of people with cancer – obviously as well as for people with cancer themselves.

Carers Project coordinator Joanna Jarrald said "one of the main issues the organisation has is that often carers do not recognise themselves as needing any help or support - and this is probably the challenge that all carers have regardless of who they are caring for."

She encourages carers of people with cancer to visit the Cancer Council of NSW website to see what resources are there and perhaps register for one of the many support services.

The website is at www.cancercouncil.com.au

Among the help they offer carers is:

1. telephone support groups for carers;
2. financial and legal assistance to carers/cancer patients on matters such as powers of attorney, access to superannuation, wills, restructuring finances;
3. help in navigating around workplace issues etc – all provided at no cost through links with law firms and financial bodies;
4. training courses for carers who want to facilitate cancer support groups in their local communities;
5. living well after cancer workshops/programs;
6. advocacy training workshops for carers who might want to actively advocate for changes at federal, state or local government level.

The Carer Group provides the opportunity for you to talk with other people who are providing primary care for a family member, friend or loved one with a cancer diagnosis.

It is held via telephone on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, and runs for an hour.

Cancer Connections is another support service where you can talk online with other people about your cancer experience. Go to www.cancerconnections.com.au

Cancer Council Connect is a one-to-one support program that puts you in touch with a carefully trained volunteer who has had a similar cancer and treatment. The volunteer has a good understanding of what you are going through, and can help with practical advice and emotional support.

When you contact the service, staff will talk to you about your support needs. If required, they will then match you with a volunteer by phone.

To find out more, call Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.

Or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

To order Cancer Council education resources download the order form from the website or contact Tmne Blair on 02 9334 1457 or Joanna Jarrald on 02 9334 1840.