For Carers Week, Laura and Ryan from MS-UK’s Helpline explain what support is available for you
The theme of Carers Week this year is making caring visible. So often carers go about their day and others would not even realise what they carry on their shoulders. They may be out doing the shopping, yet worrying about the person at home they care for, all too often not thinking about themselves. Carers often don’t even identify with the label of being a ‘carer’.
It is so important that the role of the carer is recognised and also that they know where to go for support. We want carers to know there are organisations they can call when they need to chat or ask questions, there are support groups (online and in the community) that are just for them and there are people and organisations out there that care for carers.
Our Helpline would like to let all carers know they can call us when they need to. We are here for you, as well as the person living with multiple sclerosis (MS). We can provide an understanding listening ear, be at the end of the telephone or source you supportive information.
The kind of information we have sourced for carers has been things like
The role of an unpaid carer can be complex and we can help to work through issues at your pace, signposting to more specific organisations where it’s needed.
Our Helpline can be contacted by our freephone number 0800 783 0518, or via email and webchat.
Email: info@ms-uk.org
Webchat: https://www.ms-uk.org/livewebchat
Other great organisations who support carers are
Carers Trust
The Carers Trust help to raise awareness of unpaid carers in the UK. You can use their website to search for carer services in your area.
Carers UK
Carers UK offer advice, information and support trough an expert telephone advice and support service. They help connect people through carers’ groups
Please get in touch, we are here if you need us.
Laura and Ryan
MS-UK Helpline