Practical Concerns

Many loved ones who take on a caregiving role don’t always see themselves as "carers" because they view what they’re doing as simply part of their relationship, whether as a partner, parent, sibling, or friend. They may not recognise the additional responsibilities they’ve taken on, or they might feel that the term “carer” only applies to professionals or people looking after someone with severe disabilities.

If you’d like to find out information on what support is available for you or your oved one, please see some of the services below and visit the section on Family and Relationships Concerns.

*Please see the Family and Relationship Concerns section

Staffordshire Together for Carers service is delivered in partnership with a range of organisations committed to supporting carers. They provide information, advice and a wide range of specialist support services designed to help adult and young carers continue in their caring role for as long as they choose and reduce the impact the caring role can have on their own health and wellbeing.  They offer:

• One to one support
• Befriending, activities & peer support
• Training and skills development
• Online Carers Community Network for Carers to connect with other
• A 24/7 Carers Help and Talk (CHAT) Line
•  Support to develop emergency and contingency plans

·         Telephone: 0300 303 0621   

·         Email: enquiries@staffordshiretogetherforcarers.org.uk

·         Website: www.staffordshiretogetherforcarers.org.uk/

CareLink is a service that supports over 65s in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire who are struggling with the effects of loneliness and isolation. They provide 'keep in touch' phone calls; welfare checks; home visits; digital inclusion and a range of social activities.

*Referral required.

·         Telephone: 01782 810320

·         Email: carelink@saltbox.org.uk 

·         Website: www.saltbox.org.uk/carelink

 Carers UK is a national charity that supports unpaid carers. Whether you’re looking for information on benefits, practical help in your caring role, or support in the workplace, our help and advice pages offer detailed guidance. Carers UK provide information and advice on caring, help carers connect with each other, campaign with carers for lasting change, and use innovation to improve services.

Telephone: 020 7378 4999

Email: info@carersuk.org

Website: www.carersuk.org

North Staffs Carers provide FREE Services for unpaid Carers in North Staffordshire, this includes:

•  Information and Advice
• Emotional Support
•  Practical Help
• Break Opportunities and Social Activities
• Support to access Benefits and Grants

Telephone: 01782 793100   

Email: info@carersfirst.com

Website: https://www.carersfirst.com/home

Carers Trust provide a wealth of information online to help unpaid carers access the support they need. Locally, their network of partners support carers throughout the UK, giving them access to help, advice and breaks from caring. Support is available for both adult and younger carers.

·         Telephone: 0300 772 9600  

·         Email: info@carers.org.uk

·         Website: www@carers.org.uk 

Disability Solutions West Midlands is a Stoke-on-Trent based charity which is run by people with disabilities for the benefit of people with disabilities. The Staffordshire Macmillan Welfare Service offers free, impartial, confidential welfare benefits advice to people living with cancer, their carers & families to ease the additional pressure a diagnosis can bring.

Telephone: 01782 667321/01782 638300

·         Email: Macmillan@disability-solutions.co.uk

·         Website: www.disabilitysolutions.org.uk

The National Macmillan provide a free and confidential phone service for people living and affected by cancer, who may have financial concerns.

They can cover the following topics:

• Understanding benefits
• Benefits you may be entitled to
• Help with bills/housing costs
• Help with transport and parking, advice around health & child costs

·         Telephone: 0808 800 00 00

·         Website: www.macmillan.org.uk

Step Change is a non-profit organisation who offer free debt advice which is tailored to your personal circumstances for however long you require.

·        Telephone: 0800 138 1111

·     Website: www.stepchange.org

Potteries Moneywise is a project within Citizens Advice Staffordshire North & Stoke on Trent. The project specialises in offering free and confidential financial, budgeting, and energy advice to individuals.

Telephone: 01782 408 685

·         Website: www.pmwonline.org.uk

·         Email: pmw@casns.org.uk

A nonprofit organisation called Turn2us helps people in the UK who are struggling financially by offering them support and information. Through its extensive website and support services, Turn2us assists people in obtaining benefits and charitable grants. By providing free services that assist people in navigating accessible financial resources, the organisation seeks to combat poverty and assist those in need. Turn2us also works under the trading name Elizabeth Finn Care and is registered in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Services provided:

• Benefits calculator
• Grant search
• PIP Helper
• Information about benefits
• Information for your situation

·         Telephone: 0808 802 2000

·         Email:

·         Website: www.turn2us.org.uk

The Entitledto benefits calculator is a free tool that simplifies the process of navigating the system for financial support. It breaks down eligibility criteria for government schemes like housing benefit, universal credit, and child tax credits.

Support Offered:

Benefit Calculator / Information on how to claim different benefits, grants and schemes / Information for employed, self-employed, and unemployed / CV help 

Website: www.entitledto.co.uk

Beat the Cold is dedicated to supporting those who are in fuel poverty, at danger of becoming so, or whose health may be negatively impacted by living in a cold home. With more than 20 years of expertise providing energy advice and support, Beat the Cold are a reliable partner in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, and the surrounding areas.

Telephone: 01782 914915

·         Freephone: 0800 389 2258

·         Website: www.beatcold.org.uk

Money-Helper is an online money and pensions guidance service. They offer free, impartial information for anyone living in the UK. If you’re worried about rising bills, reduced income, job loss and everyday money worries, go online or call:

Website: www.moneyhelper.org.uk

Money Guidance 0800 138 7777 (Mon –Fri 8am -6pm)

Pension Guidance 0800 011 3797 (Mon –Fri 9am -5pm)

Working With Cancer helps employees, employers, the self-employed, job seekers and carers to manage cancer and work. They will professionally guide businesses to support employees who are impacted by cancer. They offer trainers, coaches and policy advisors, who are all senior professionals from a wide range of industries who have experienced cancer and can bring lived experience and insight to their support.

Website: www.workingwithcancer.co.uk

Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides advice and support for employees and employers on workplace issues, including those related to cancer and other health conditions.

Telephone: Helpline 0300 123 1100 (Open Monday – Friday: 8am to 6pm)

Website: www.acas.org.uk

Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. The support you get will depend on your needs.

Through Access to Work, you can apply for:

• a grant to help pay for practical support with your work
• support with managing your mental health at work
•  money to pay for communication support at job interviews

Please check out the page on their website: www.gov.uk/access-to-work

Working Families is the UK’s national charity for working parents and carers. Their mission is to remove the barriers that people with caring responsibilities face in the workplace. They provide free legal advice to parents and carers on their rights at work.

Telephone: Helpline for parents & carers: 0300 012 0312

 Email: office@workingfamilies.org.uk

Website: www.workingfamilies.org.uk

If you are undergoing treatment for cancer – you are entitled to a free parking permit (this can be requested for a period of up to 3 months). Contact your healthcare team at the hospital, or speak to the UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information centre on 01782 676333.

*We can also provide information on Blue Badges.

Travel Insurance

There are different ways to look for travel insurance including:

• contacting an insurance broker
• comparison websites
• contact the money advice service
• Use online communities, such as the Macmillan ‘Online Community’ space
• You may pay for a special package with your bank account that offers insurance

The British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) can suggest specialist insurance companies, that will look at travel insurance policies for pre-existing medical conditions, including cancer.  If you are looking for travel insurance - please visit the British Insurance Brokers' Association. Use the online site to initially answer 6 questions. The site will provide you with a list of approved specialist travel insurance companies, allowing you to decide which insurer is the best one for you. We advise you contact several insurers before purchasing.

·  Telephone:  0344 7700 266

Email:  enquiries@biba.org.uk

Website:  www.biba.org.uk

*Some useful information

• BIBA can provide information on insurance companies who can help. These companies are vetted to ensure that they are specialists in supporting customers with a serious medical condition. We recommend you then call the insurance providers. 
• Advice from Cancer Research:
• Once you have a list of recommended insurance providers, call each individual provider instead of filling in an online form or using a comparison site.
•  Online forms are generic and will not consider your individual circumstances. 
• Remember to check if there is a charge for numbers before calling.
• You may require a ‘fit to travel’ letter – request a letter from your clinical team stating that, in their opinion, you are fit to travel.
• Most insurance providers will ask for this, so it is best to have it ready - your clinical nurse specialist will be able to help.
• Always shop around: contact multiple insurance providers to find the best and most affordable travel insurance for you - you don’t need to accept the first quote you are offered.
• Register for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) - if you’re travelling to a country in the European Union (EU) or ensure your EHIC or UK GHIC is valid. 

If you’re undergoing treatment for cancer, Cancer on Board offer free ‘Cancer on Board badges. If using any kind of transport, these badges are a way to let others know that you are ill and can be worn to show other people, you may need to sit down, to make your journey a little more comfortable.

Email: hello@canceronboard.org

Website: www.canceronboard.org

Safeena is a UK-based organisation providing cancer support specifically tailored for Muslim communities. It offers emotional, practical, and spiritual support to Muslims diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families and friends. While faith-based, Safeena's services are open to anyone in need.  

Email: Contact via online form on website

Website: www.safeena.org.uk

The Macmillan Buddy service is free befriending service, that match you with someone who understands what you're going through; they'll give you a weekly telephone call. You can talk to them about how you're feeling and your support needs during this difficult time. The service is delivered by volunteers, who undergo comprehensive training and are fully supported by our staff and lead volunteers. In each case, support is usually provided for a total of up to 8 sessions, and in a number of different languages. The service is offered over the telephone only.

Telephone: 0808 808 00 00 

Email: contact@macmillan.org.uk  

Website: www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/emotional-help/macmillan-buddies

The Macmillan Support Line is a free and confidential phone service for people living and affected by cancer. Please call: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm). Macmillan Cancer Support provide services for people living with cancer at every stage of their cancer experience. They provide emotional, practical, physical, and financial support.

They can help by:

• Offering emotional support and practical information.
•  Offering financial advice.
• Giving work guidance.
• Sharing clinical information.
• Giving insight into welfare rights.

Telephone: 0808 808 00 00

Website: www.macmillan.org.uk

The Cancer Psychology Services provide specialist psychological assessment and therapy for adults experiencing emotional distress related to their diagnosis and/or treatment for cancer. The Cancer Psychology Services accept referrals from healthcare professionals working in the Cancer Service at the Royal Stoke Hospital, for people living in the Stoke-on-Trent or North Staffordshire areas. Please speak to your GP or healthcare teams within the hospital.

Telephone: 01782 275188 

Email: Neuropsychologyadmin@combined.nhs.uk 

Website: https://www.combined.nhs.uk/our-services/

Shine Cancer Support’s vision is that every adult in the UK living with cancer in their 20s, 30s or 40s can access the help and support that they need in a way that suits their lifestyle, and that they are part of a confident, supportive and empowered community of young adults living with cancer. They provide tailored information and peer support for anyone in their 20s, 30s or 40s diagnosed with any cancer, through a range of activities including lunches and drinks evenings, beach walks, multi-day getaways, workshops, online networking, and mentoring.

Telephone: 07804 479413

Email: hi@shinecancersupport.org

Website: www.shinecancersupport.org

North Staffs Mind has been supporting the mental wellbeing of local people for almost 50 years. MIND is an independent charity affiliated to the Mind network made up of over 100 organisations across England and Wales delivering services, campaigning and giving a voice to people with mental health problems, their families, carers and community. They offer one to one support; support groups; online webchat; supported housing and support for parent and carers.

Telephone: 01782 262100

Email: reception@nsmind.org.uk

Website: www. nsmind.org.uk

The Online HOPE programme is a course designed to support people in developing techniques & strategies to manage aspects of living with cancer. The programme is a 6-week self-management course. It has been co-designed alongside people living with cancer, and is based on positive psychology, mindfulness & cognitive behavioural therapy. Patients will be asked to commit a minimum of 2 hours per week, at a time to suit them. They will need to have access to the internet via smartphone, tablet or PC. They will be able to work through the weekly materials in their own time at their own pace.

Telephone: 0808 808 00 00

Email: contact@macmillan.org.uk

Website: www.macmillan.org.uk

Dougie Mac provides all hospice services free of charge to adults, young adults and children living with a life-limiting illnesses in Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and the surrounding villages; also offering supportive care for their families and carers. Dougie Mac have a team of trained social workers who can guide and support patients and their families in a variety of ways, including individual support and advice, coping with change, helping with benefits advice and other financial resources, arranging practical support, comforting family, friends and children of patients, liaising with and referring to other organisations, and choice and decision making.

Telephone: 01782 344300     

Email: post@dmhospice.org.uk

Website: www.dougiemac.org.uk/

Embrace is a domiciliary care agency that provide funded care packages to people who have a palliative care diagnosis to support them with their daily living needs. Carers support patients with personal care, meal preparation, medication and light housework. Katherine House additionally has a family support team; a service offering psychological support to all Katharine House Hospice patients, their families and carers. KHH can offer between (6 -12) 1:1 counselling session free of charge.

Telephone: 01785 270832    

Email: PatientPathwayTeam@khhospice.org.uk  

Website: www.khhospice.org.uk

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free, confidential service offered by energy and water companies to customers who may need extra support. This includes those who are vulnerable due to age, health conditions, disability, or other circumstances, and it helps ensure they receive the necessary assistance during emergencies or planned interruptions.  The PSR is a register that allows energy and water companies to identify and provide extra support to customers who might need it most, such as:

• Elderly or vulnerable individuals:
• This includes those over 60, those with young children, or those with long-term health conditions. 
• People with disabilities:
• This can encompass physical, mental, or sensory impairments. 
• Customers with specific needs:
• This includes those who may have communication difficulties, language barriers, or those who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity. 
• Those experiencing temporary vulnerabilities:
• This could include individuals recovering from an injury or illness, or those who are pregnant.

Website: www.thepsr.co.uk

Telephone: 0800 111 999

If you have tried ways to stay independent but need further support, the first step is to contact us for a conversation. If you are a resident of Stoke-on-Trent aged 18 years old or more, please contact the front door team to discuss your situation.

 Telephone: 0800 561 0015

The front door team is open: Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 5pm, Friday: 8.30am to 4.30pm.

When you speak with the front door team they will try to meet your needs during that first conversation – for instance through helping you to access community support or through getting you some equipment.  If the team can’t help to meet your needs straight away, they may refer you on to one of our area social work teams for a more in-depth assessment.

Check out the AskSARA - If you are struggling to do simple everyday tasks in your normal daily life, it could be that some cheap and simple equipment could meet your needs. To find out what equipment might help you, take a look at the AskSARA self-assessment tool

Website: stoke.livingmadeeasy.org.uk

We have a dedicated phone number and email address for all adult social care services:

Telephone: 0300 111 8010

Website: www.staffordshire.gov.uk

Age UK Stafford and District is an independent charity working in Stafford Borough to offer support and services to older people.

Telephone: 01785 607060

Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/staffordanddistrict

Revival is a not-for-profit agency that helps vulnerable people maintain their health and independence and be warm, safe and supported in their homes. We are part of the Staffordshire Housing Group, and our services are supported and funded by local councils and a range of other agencies.

Telephone: 0333 014 3389

Website: www.thisisrevival.org.uk

The RVS helps grow the nations' volunteer community and run services to support people's health, wellbeing and connections.

01782 917938

staffordshirehub@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

If you need to go into Hospital for a short-term stay, do you have someone you trust to look after your pet. If not, you may be able to get help from charities or organisations such as the Cinnamon Trust or Petpals. They will allocate a registered person to look after your pet, including feeding them, keeping them clean and providing companionship. DogBuddy and Borrow My Doggy offer similar services but just for dogs. Please visit or telephone the UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre for further information - our centres are located opposite PALs and the UHNM Charity off the main atrium at Royal Stoke University Hospital, and by the main entrance at County Hospital, Stafford.

The Cinnamon Trust is a UK charity providing support for elderly and terminally ill people with pets. The organisation relies on volunteers to walk dogs, transport pets, and foster pets whose owners have difficulty caring for them.  It also administers pet sanctuaries. 

Telephone: 01736 757 900

Email: admin@cinnamon.org.uk

Website: www.cinnamon.org.uk

*For more information on all services that offer support for pets, please contact the UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information centre on 01782 676333

Cancer Support UK offer practical and emotional support to individuals with cancer during and after treatment. They provide programs like the Cancer Coach, which includes support groups and workshops for those who have completed their treatment. Their services are designed by people who have experienced cancer themselves, ensuring empathy and understanding in their approach.

Telephone: 020 3983 7616

Email: hello@cancersupportuk.org

Website: www. cancersupportuk.org

Penny Brohn UK is a national charity that provides free, integrative care to cancer patients, before, during and after treatment. Whether you’re dealing with a first-time diagnosis, or you are further on in your cancer journey and are looking for ways to live well post-treatment, they want to help you find the right physical and emotional support for you to build your resilience. 'Nutrition Know How' sessions are also held Wednesday every fortnight 11am-12:15pm. The sessions are approximately 75 mins.

Telephone: 0303 3000 118

 Email: clientsupport@pennybrohn.org.uk

Website: www.pennybrohn.org.uk/

The HOPE programme is an online self-management course delivered by Hope for the Community CIC and is based on an online platform. The content of the HOPE programme has been co-designed alongside people living with cancer and is based on positive psychology mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy. It is built on 25 years of research evidence at Coventry university. It is designed to support you in developing techniques and strategies to manage several aspects of living with cancer.  It is run over a 6-week period, requiring you to commit a minimum of 2 hours per week, at a time to suits you. You will need to have access to the internet via smartphone, tablet or PC. You will be able to work through the weekly materials in your own time at your own pace

 Telephone: 0808 808 00 00

Website: www.macmillan.org.uk (search for HOPE online)

The Macmillan Support Line is a free and confidential phone service for people living and affected by cancer. Please call: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm). Macmillan Cancer Support provide services for people living with cancer at every stage of their cancer experience. They provide emotional, practical, physical, and financial support.

They can help by:

• Offering emotional support and practical information.
• Offering financial advice.
• Giving work guidance.
• Sharing clinical information.
• Giving insight into welfare rights.

Telephone: 0808 808 00 00

Website: www.macmillan.org.uk

Share your experiences, ask questions, seek support and reassurance, meet other people going through similar experiences, read or create blogs about your cancer experience / or join groups on Macmillan’s Online Community. You can access it any time of day or night; or if you’d like to read through people’s posts. You can also use the ‘Ask an Expert’ service on the Online Community.

Visit: www.macmillan.org.uk/community

The UHNM (University Hospitals of North Midlands) has a smoking cessation service that supports patients and staff in quitting smoking. The team offer face-to-face and telephone appointments –speak to your healthcare team or GP.

Website: www.uhnm.nhs.uk/our-services/lung-cancer/living-well/

Please visit the useful sites below – that may provide further support:

Help giving up smoking (Stoke-on-Trent City Council) – www.quitsmokingstoke.co.uk/sign-up/

 Stop Smoking; Everyone Health Staffordshire (Staffordshire County Council) – www.staffordshire.everyonehealth.co.uk/services/stop-smoking/

Quit smoking - Better Health (NHS)

 Stop smoking (Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation)

Smoking (Asthma + Lung UK: blf.org.uk)

Vaping and e-cigarettes (Asthma + Lung UK: blf.org.uk)

Taking medication can be an important part of your treatment, but side effects, changes to your routine or feeling unwell can make it harder to remember doses or manage prescriptions. If you are finding this difficult please speak to your healthcare team at the hospital or GP.

Please speak to your healthcare team or GP if you are concerned about alcohol or drugs use affecting your health, well-being or daily life - they are there to support you and can help you access the right service or support.

The NHS has a range of advice and support:

Website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/

Staffordshire Connects is a website with an online directory which connects you with help and support in your local community. It is easy to use and can offer details of care and support services, befriending groups, organisations, local activities, events, clubs and community groups.

Telephone: 0300 303 0621  

Email: staffordshire.connects@staffordshire.gov.uk  

 Website: https://www.staffordshireconnects.info/

Cancer Care Map is a simple, online resource that aims to help you find cancer support services in your local area wherever you are in the UK

Website: www.cancercaremap.org

Share your experiences, ask questions, seek support and reassurance, meet other people going through similar experiences, read or create blogs about your cancer experience / or join groups on Macmillan’s Online Community. You can access it any time of day or night; or if you’d like to read through people’s posts:

 Visit: www.macmillan.org.uk/community.

You can also use the ‘Ask an Expert’ service on the Online Community.

*If you’d find it easier to talk to a healthcare professional, your GP, specialist nurse or healthcare team at the hospital can provide a listening ear and will try to support you.

If you’re not sure who you can talk to, contact us at the hospital:

UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

The centre provides a non-clinical space, where no appointment or referral is needed – you can drop in as many times as you need, and there’s always a listening ear and signposting information available. The team can also liaise on your behalf with your healthcare team in the hospital. 

(Opening Times: Mon – Fri 10am - 4pm / Closed Bank Holidays)

Contact us if you’d like to arrange an appointment to be seen at County Hospital, Stafford.

 Telephone: 01782 676333

Email: macmillancentre@uhnm.nhs.uk

Website: www.uhnm.co.uk (search for the UHNM Macmillan cancer support and Information centre)

• Practical tasks
• Travel
• Transport and parking
• Talking or being understood
• Taking care of others
• Giving up smoking
• Pet care
• Money concerns
• Education
• Difficulty making plans
• Work (employment)
• Work (self-employment)
• Work (unemployment)
• Housing