A specialist benefits advice service for Swindon cancer patients has received £173,000 in funding.
The money will be used to support more local people affected by cancer who are facing money worries.
The Macmillan Swindon Citizens Advice Service, funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and run by Citizens Advice Swindon, was set up to help residents given a cancer diagnosis to cope with the huge financial pressures many face as a result of the illness, and it has never been in more demand than it is now.
Adam Ward, who runs the Macmillan Swindon service with his colleague John Bristow, said: “The Cost of Living crisis is the final financial straw for many people living with cancer.
"It has been one thing after another for all of us since the pandemic – energy bills, inflation and mortgage rate rises. But on top of that, people with cancer are likely to be facing a drop in income due to their health.
“People are telling me they are petrified about how they will pay their winter heating bills, especially as they tend to be at home more due to their illness. Often the impact of cancer treatments can leave you feeling the cold more and throw up other unexpected costs like a special diet or requirement for certain clothing items.
“Many people don’t even realise there is help available. We can help reduce their money worries with a benefits check, apply for a Macmillan grant, or refer them to our colleagues who can help with energy bills and housing costs.
"I’d like everyone with cancer in Swindon to know that we are here to listen and can help them get the support they are entitled to.”
The service gives free and confidential specialist welfare rights advice to people living with cancer and their families. Adam and his team help them to navigate the complex benefits system and apply for grants.
Last year the team helped 311 people in Swindon unlock £253,000 in benefits that they would not otherwise have known about.
The £173,000 in funding is part of a £30m national investment being made by Macmillan Cancer Support, over the next three years, to help people affected by cancer tackle the cost of living crisis.
Macmillan says support like its benefits advice services and Macmillan grants are a lifeline with one in four people with cancer in the UK feeling that they just ‘can’t afford life’.
Macmillan grants are rapid one-off payments of £350 to help pay for cancer-related costs such as heating, travel to hospital or clothing. The charity has committed £4.3m nationally to ensure Macmillan Grants are available for people living with cancer.
People affected by cancer in Swindon are welcome to call 01793 496154 and leave a voicemail, email [email protected] or ask their cancer nurse to make a referral to Adam and John for free and impartial advice.
For support with the cost of living, people can also visit www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/cost-of-living
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