Pancreatic cancer - Support for carers

There are more than five million people in England who look after an ill or disabled partner, child, relative or friend.

If you're caring for a family member, you may not consider yourself a carer, but a carer is anyone who looks after a family member, partner or friend because of their illness, disability or frailty.

Caring for someone can be varied and demanding. You may have been forced to leave your job, give up hobbies and stop socialising, which can be isolating. You may experience stress and difficult feelings towards the person you're caring for.

It's important to remember that you're not alone and that there is support available. By law, you're entitled to a free community care assessment, which you can access through your local authority. The assessment will look at the possibility of you getting practical and financial help. Read more about community care assessments.

Being a carer means that you may be entitled to certain financial benefits, especially if you have to give up work. Find out more about carers' benefits.

Carers can also get help with breaks from caring from local authorities or organisations such as Carers Trust. Find out about getting a break from caring.