MacMillan support bus rolls into town

Carers Week, which runs from June 6-12, is an annual campaign supported by MacMillan Cancer Support to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

MacMillan’s mobile service is stopping off in Batley’s Market Square on Thursday, June 9 between 10am and 4pm.

The team will be on hand to provide free and confidential support to anyone with a concern or a question relating to cancer and caring for someone with cancer.

Across the UK, an estimated 1.1 million people currently care for someone with cancer.

This year Carers Week is focusing on building Carer Friendly Communities.

Communities which support carers to look after their loved ones well, while recognising that they are individuals with needs of their own.

Lucy Rogers, 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 outside their caring role.

“For example full-time carers are more than twice as likely to experience ill health as non-carers, 2.3 million have had to quit their jobs to care for a loved one, and 60 per cent have found it difficult to maintain friendships.

“We are here for anyone who has any questions or worries about caring for someone affected by cancer, concerning any aspect of cancer and type of cancer.

“Whether it’s about you, a relative or friend, come on board the bus and talk to us.”

For further information visit http://www.macmillan.org.uk/aboutus/contactus/mobileinformationcentrelocations.aspx.