Working in partnership to help those with cancer

Last year Citizens Advice North Lancashire helped 171 cancer patients, referred to them by Macmillan Cancer Support, with issues about debt, benefits, employment and housing.

Working together the two charities have been able to support patients with advice about finances, legal matters, medical rights and welfare benefits including Personal Independence Payments and Blue Badge applications.

The partnership exists to help people with cancer to cope with the huge financial pressures they may face because of the illness.

Lorraine Jones, the Macmillan Information and Support Service Manager at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (pictured, right with Joanna Young of Citizens Advice) said “No one who has been given a cancer diagnosis should have to worry about how to pay their bills or cover the costs of getting to a hospital, but every day we hear from people facing these choices. It’s been a privilege to work in partnership with the team at Citizens Advice to help support our patients.”

Helen Greatorex, CEO at Citizens Advice North Lancashire said: “Cancer comes with lots of unexpected costs and often a loss in income. For those who have never tried to navigate the benefits system before, it can feel like a maze, especially when someone is going through gruelling treatment or struggling to deal with the emotional impact of a diagnosis.”

“We are so glad to be able to support Macmillan’s critical work by providing advice services to their patients. Working in genuine partnership with other organisations means better support for clients which we know can help their wellbeing.”

Lorraine Jones added “If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and you don’t know where to turn, we are here to help you. We can refer you to Citizens Advice North Lancashire for support if you need it, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01524 519578 or by email at macmillan.info@mbht.nhs.uk