Caring for someone living with cancer can bring many challenges, and finding time to look after your own wellbeing isn’t always easy. At Cancer Wellness Support, we recognise that carers need care too.
Over the past three years, our carer membership has more than doubled, reaching 142 carers in 2025–2026. As more carers turn to us, we’re continuing to expand the opportunities available for support, wellbeing and connection.
Why Supporting Carers Matters
The 2025 Carer Wellbeing Survey, conducted by Carers Australia in partnership with the University of Canberra, highlights some of the challenges facing unpaid carers across Australia.
Among the findings:
- Only 38.9% of carers reported healthy levels of wellbeing, compared with 66.4% of the general population.
- 31.2% experienced high psychological distress, more than double the rate of the general population.
- 42.7% reported often or always feeling lonely, compared with 11.9% of Australian adults.
These figures reinforce the importance of recognising carers’ own health and wellbeing, alongside the care they provide to others.
VIDEO: When A Cancer Diagnosis Changes Two Lives – CWS Carer Kathryn
We’re pleased to be building on our existing services through two initiatives across our local communities.
Supporting Carers Across the Nepean
Thanks to a $2,500 grant from Penrith City Council, we’ll be able to offer additional activities and opportunities specifically for carers across the Nepean over the coming year.
This funding will help create more opportunities for carers to connect with others, enjoy time for themselves and access support.
We’re grateful to Penrith City Council for recognising the importance of caring for those who care for others.
Connecting Seniors and Carers in the Blue Mountains
CWS is also participating in the Connecting Seniors and Carers pilot program in the Blue Mountains.
The program provides practical guidance to help people navigate available services and connect with support suited to their needs. It is available to people aged over 60 and those who care for them, regardless of the carer’s age.
Through our involvement, we look forward to helping more people access the information, services and connections they need.
Carers Need Care, Too
At CWS, carers can access a range of affordable, subsidised complementary therapies and wellbeing programs, tailored to their individual needs.
From counselling and gentle yoga to expressive arts therapy and opportunities to connect with others, our focus is on providing a welcoming environment where carers can take time for themselves and feel supported.
Whether you’re new to caring or have been supporting someone for many years, we’re here for you.
GUIDANCE FOR NEW CLIENTS & CARERS
