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Submitted by Rachel Godman-Morris
The Coronavirus pandemic has not stopped a specialist welfare advantages service from serving to over 970 South East London most cancers sufferers entry virtually £3.9million of welfare profit entitlements in 2020 alone.
The Macmillan Welfare Advantages Recommendation Service, which not too long ago obtained an additional 12 months of funding from the most cancers charity, is run in partnership with Residents Recommendation Southwark. The staff of specialist advisors supply knowledgeable monetary and debt steering to folks dwelling with most cancers in addition to their household and carers.
Nearly £86,000 of further funding from Macmillan Most cancers Assist will guarantee this very important service continues to assist South East Londoners till not less than December 21 2021.
Regardless of the challenges that Covid-19 has introduced the staff, the Macmillan Welfare Advantages Recommendation Service has been capable of help 176 native folks in accessing Macmillan grants of over £58,000 for on a regular basis necessities reminiscent of heating or hospital journey prices, which they could not have been capable of declare with out the assistance of this very important staff.
Kymberly Goh, Macmillan Welfare Advantages staff supervisor and senior adviser. Picture: Macmillan
Kymberly Goh, Macmillan Welfare Advantages staff supervisor and senior adviser stated: “Our service is admittedly essential for a affected person’s most cancers journey. Some folks have by no means needed to declare any advantages earlier than they’re recognized with most cancers. It’s simply such a minefield to navigate typically and having us there to assist them offers them confidence.
“The pandemic has been fairly punishing for us all, however notably for most cancers sufferers. That’s why I’m so pleased with all the things the staff’s achieved within the final 12 months on behalf of individuals dwelling with most cancers, regardless of the numerous challenges that Covid-19 has thrown at us. We have now continued to be there for our shoppers all through, as Covid-19 could possibly be the least of your worries should you can’t afford to place meals on the desk or warmth your house.”
One service person spoke of the invaluable assist that they had obtained: “I am unable to put into phrases how a lot it means to have somebody serving to with utility types and advising us concerning the monetary assist obtainable to somebody, who has been simply recognized with terminal most cancers. They actually made us really feel we weren’t alone.”
Stephanie Corridor, Macmillan partnership supervisor for South East London stated: “I’m so proud that Macmillan has been capable of lengthen our funding of the Macmillan Welfare Advantages Service in South East London. The staff are making a real distinction to each the wellbeing and the funds of individuals with most cancers in our neighborhood.
“Each £1 Macmillan spends on funding this service helps generate not less than £20 of further revenue for sufferers in want. This cash is commonly for absolutely the fundamentals reminiscent of heating or making certain folks can get to their remedy appointments.
“The Macmillan Welfare Advantages Advisors proceed to assist Londoners dwelling with most cancers entry the monetary recommendation and assist they’re entitled to, in order that they don’t should face the monetary impression of most cancers alone.”
Chris Inexperienced, CEO of Residents Recommendation Southwark stated: “We’re extraordinarily grateful for the assist we have now obtained from Macmillan Most cancers Assist once more this yr to proceed our very important work supporting most cancers sufferers throughout South East London.
“This yr has been notably troublesome for our shoppers and with out the extra funding we’d not have been ready to make sure the assistance wanted could be obtainable at a vital time of their lives.”
You probably have been impacted by most cancers, dwell in South East London and wish monetary recommendation, please contact your most cancers nurse to be referred to the Macmillan Residents Recommendation Service. For additional data you possibly can contact the staff by telephone on 0207 732 5386 or e mail at [email protected].
As a result of Coronavirus pandemic, the charity is going through a big drop in fundraised revenue. Macmillan has by no means wanted the general public’s assist extra to face up for and assist folks dwelling with most cancers. You may get concerned or to donate right here.
