Macmillan Cancer Support has helped people affected by cancer in the South Wales Valleys claim more than £220,000 in benefits in the last three months.
The latest figures from the charity show that its two welfare benefits advisers, who are based in the Cynon Valley area, helped 54 local people between April and June 2008. Hilary Rowlands and Jonathon Long have helped a total of 127 people claim more than half a million pounds since they opened their doors in October last year.
The service, which is a partnership between RCT County Borough Council and Macmillan Cancer Support, has been hailed a huge success.
Cath Lindley, Macmillan's General Manager for Wales said:
"After just eight months in role, the income generated for local people affected by cancer vastly exceeds the National Welfare Rights standard expectations of officer income generation of £200,000 per annum. This is an amazing achievement and proves that people with cancer in Rhondda Cynon Taf need our expert help."
It's been estimated that nine of out ten households suffer loss of income and face increased costs as a result of cancer. This only adds to the emotional and physical stress that cancer patients experience in the course of their treatment and recovery.
Hilary Rowlands, who is a Macmillan welfare benefits adviser, based at the Cancer Centre in Mountain Ash, said:
"It just shows there is a massive need for help that wasn't being met before. People with cancer often experience financial difficulties, and we are here to make sure they, and their families, maximise the benefits they are entitled to. Often they don't know what help is available and we also help them complete the forms."
A recent cancer patient survey by Macmillan in Wales found that a quarter of patients surveyed wanted information to help them manage their finances, including accessing benefits and support with increased transport costs, but a third of them did not get the information they needed. Macmillan has found that patients could be paying on average £425 for travel over the course of their treatment.
As part of the Macmillan service, Hilary and Jonathon visit all their clients in their homes to help and advise them, but the help and advice does not stop with form filling.
"We aim to understand their situation and so we may also refer to our colleagues, who may be able to offer further assistance with issues including housing and care. We can also help people apply for Macmillan grants, which are small one off amounts that can help toward increased heating costs, travel to hospital and warmer clothes." Hilary added.
Macmillan is planning to role out this vital service to other parts of Wales in the coming months. Macmillan has more than 200 professionals, including welfare benefits advisers, who work in hospitals, local authorities and out in the community throughout Wales. They include nurses, GP advisers, pharmacists, dieticians, physiotherapists and information officers.
If you are affected by cancer and need help you can call Hilary Rowlands at the Cancer Centre on 01443 479 369 (Cynon Valley or Ynysybwl) or Jonathan Long on 01443 424 543 (Rhondda or Taff Ely).
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For further information ring Becky Land, Communication Officer, Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales. 01656 867969 or 07764 503482
Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. We provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support and push for better cancer care. We will help anyone affected by cancer get the help and support they need. We fund nurses and other specialist health and social care professionals; we give emotional support; we offer financial help and advice, and we provide practical help at home. Since merging with Cancerbackup, the cancer information charity, in April we have broadened the range of information and help we can offer people affected by cancer. Visit www.macmillan.org.uk