Supporting unpaid carers to look after their own health

Unpaid carers do an amazing job supporting their loved ones. But often, they put their own health and wellbeing last. That’s why it’s so important they get the right support to look after themselves too.

To help with this, North East London Cancer Alliance has launched a campaign to help unpaid carers across all boroughs in north east London to get access to the right health and wellbeing services - especially when it comes to reducing their risk of cancer.

Kicking things off with a cancer awareness workshop

The campaign got underway with a dedicated cancer screening and awareness workshop for local carers centre staff and health champions on 11 April 2025.

Cancer screening was a key topic, with guest speakers from the breast and bowel screening teams, along with a Primary Care Networks Facilitator who spoke about cervical screening.

They covered important signs and symptoms to look out for, as well as practical tips on reducing cancer risk — something that really struck a chord with the 19 people who attended.

Real carers, real stories

The workshop also featured the launch of two short videos created to support unpaid carers. These videos explore the real challenges carers face when it comes to looking after their own health, particularly around cancer.

The videos were developed with local carers and really hit home for many people who saw them. They show how vital it is that carers get support, and how that support can make a real difference.

• Watch the video for unpaid carers: https://youtu.be/dIUr5bEeNqE
• Watch the video for healthcare professionals: https://youtu.be/Xj22hfIQiDQ

“If we don't look after ourselves, how are we going to look after the people we care for?” Sharron, a local carer

Find everything in one place

To make it easier to get the help you need, North East London Cancer Alliance has launched a new webpage full of useful information for unpaid carers. You’ll find:

• What to know about cancer screening
• Signs and symptoms to watch for
• Tips on healthy living and reducing your cancer risk
• Support if you’ve been diagnosed or are living with cancer

Visit the webpage here: www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/unpaid-carers

You can also download an easy-to-read leaflet made especially for unpaid carers:Download the leaflet

Printed copies will be handed out at local carers centres during groups, activities, and appointments - including your initial carers assessment.

Looking ahead

Sherrice Weekes, Project Manager for North East London Cancer Alliance, said:

“Unpaid carers in north east London do such an important job. We need to make sure they’re supported too, especially when it comes to their own health.

“This project shines a light on the challenges carers face and shows them how to get local, free help. The workshop was a brilliant start, and we’re planning more events like this. We’ve also taken on feedback, like the need for more information about prostate cancer, so we’re working on adding that too.” 

North East London Cancer Alliance is also looking to record a special podcast episode to focus specifically on support for carers. This is part of the Taking Control of Cancer series, and all episodes are available to listen to from our webpage.

What’s available right now

Here’s a quick summary of the support on offer:

• Webpage: www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/unpaid-carers
• Video for unpaid carers: Watch here
• Video for healthcare professionals: Watch here
• Leaflet: Download the unpaid carers' guide