JULIE SKELTON

COLUMNIST

DURING this national health crisis, we are all more aware of how isolation can be a tough time for those living alone. But what of people who are providing care for a loved one?

Carers can be any age, looking after a partner, friend or family member who isn’t able to manage by themselves because of an illness, disability, mental health condition, addiction or because they’re frail.

Before lockdown, a carer may have been able to head out for an hour to an exercise class, to see friends or even go to the shops, but now many may not be able to leave the house at all, as they may be shielding to protect loved ones.

At Marie Curie, we want carers to know they are not alone and that we have many ways that carers of people living with a terminal illness can get support at this time.

Taking Care is a library of short video clips developed by Marie Curie, to support those in caring roles. We asked carers to talk about what matters to them and what they thought other carers would want to know.

It provides carers with information and support that will help manage the practical, physical and emotional demands of caring.

There are interviews with carers, who share their experiences and interviews with GPs, counsellors, support workers and other professionals supporting carers in Wales.

You can also watch carers sharing their poetry or even follow a cooking demonstration. Taking Care is a reason to take some time out. You can visit Taking Care at www. takingcare.org.uk

But what if you want to speak to another human being, or want someone other than your loved one to provide a listening ear?

The Marie Curie Information and Support Line has recently expanded its opening hours to provide support to more people during this time of national crisis.

Support line officers, including nurses, are on the end of a phone ready to provide the information and emotional support they need, and our services now also include bereavement and spiritual support from trained specialists. There is also a check-in and chat service where you can access the compassionate care and support of our volunteers if you need support.

And recently, we launched Marie Curie’s national bereavement service which is available to anyone affected by the death of a loved one. The service enables you to access free emotional support from a dedicated volunteer, over the phone, for up to six weeks.

The charity has trained 30 new volunteers and expects to double this in the coming weeks.

Our main aim with our services is to ensure that no carer feels alone at a time when you may be feeling the strain of caring more than ever. There is always someone you can turn to, whether that is us, another organisation or a friend by phone or video call.

We also have information more specific to the current pandemic, with pages on our website providing information and links to other organisations that can support you. And there is also a page talking about how to look after yourself during the pandemic. If you are struggling to navigate the waters of this pandemic or if you would simply like someone to speak to, please call the Marie Curie support line free on 0800 090 2309 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/support.

■ Julie Skelton, Taking Care project manager at Marie Curie