Carers Week
Carers Week is 8 - 14 June 2026. It highlights the contribution that carers make to families and local communities throughout the country. We have information to help you with the practical, emotional and financial impacts of supporting someone with cancer.
About Carers Week
The theme for Carers Week 2026 is Building Carer Friendly Communities. This will highlight the impact carer friendly communities can have in making a real and lasting difference to the lives of carers everywhere.
You can find out more on the Carers Week website where you can also find resources for Carers Week activities.
What do carers do?
A carer is someone who gives unpaid care to a friend or family member who has an illness, disability, mental health condition, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older. The person being cared for is considered to not be able to take care of themselves.
Caring can have a big impact on life. Many carers have to balance their caring responsibilities with work, study or other commitments. Some carers don’t think of themselves as carers and can take time to understand their role.
Information and support for carers
If your partner, family member or friend has cancer, there can be a lot to think about when you are caring for them.
We have information and support for carers on our website, including:
- Looking after someone with cancer
- Practical support for carers
- Emotional support for carers
- Financial support for carers
- Working carers
- Getting support as a carer
- Cancer and dementia.
Finance and practical advice
If you are looking after someone with cancer, you could be entitled to Carer’s Allowance. Use our benefits calculator to work out which benefits you can get.
You can download our booklet Looking after someone with cancer. We also have an audiobook available for download.
You may find our Online Community useful where you can find forums of support and chat with people in similar situations:
How can we help you
Carers provide vital support and make a huge contribution to society. There are many ways we can support you.
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their carers. Call us free on 0808 808 00 00, or chat with us online. The support line is open 7 days a week 8am to 8pm. We have information about getting emotional, practical or financial help. You can also email the Macmillan Support Line.
The following organisations can also provide help for carers:
How to get involved this Carers Week
Macmillan provides specialist information, support and services for everybody living with cancer. We also help people affected by cancer, such as carers. But we couldn't do it without our supporters. Here are accessible ways you can get involved.
