Many charities have a role to play in palliative care, including Macmillan and Marie Curie. Both provide care and support to people with terminal illnesses as well as their families.

Macmillan provides:

• Nurses who offer support and information from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond to people with cancer and their families
• Advice and support for the primary care team, regarding medicines to treat symptoms such as pain, nausea and vomiting
• Training courses, workshops and e-learning, both for those affected and for others who want to learn more. 

Marie Curie Cancer Care provides:

• Nurses who care for terminally ill people and give them the choice to die at home, supported by their families 
• 24-hour hands-on care at home. To access one of the nursing team for this free-of-charge service, the patient should be referred by their GP or district nurse
• Support with financial matters such as benefits and entitlements, everyday money matters and sorting out tax
• Advice on how to live with a terminal illness, how to cope with feelings and how to talk about the diagnosis with family and friends
• Advice on caring for someone with a terminal illness, getting support, day-to-day caring and preparing for end of life
• Information for bereaved family and friends, including coping with grief; practical, legal and financial matters, and organising a funeral.