Vital cash support for cancer patients
Grants can pay for essentials as cost of living crisis grows
Cancer patients in Forth Valley are being offered help and advice as the cost of living and energy prices soar.
Macmillan Cancer Support gave almost £79,000 in grants to 222 struggling cancer patients across Forth Valley in 2021, and expects more people than ever will need financial support across 2022.
The grants helped to pay for essentials, ranging from gas and electric bills to transport for hospital appointments.
As energy prices have rocketed as much as 50 per cent this month and with the cost of living on the rise, the charity is bracing itself for a flood of people looking for support - but is still urging anyone in need to reach out.
In Stirling, 60 cancer patients were provided with a grant and in Clackamannanshire £19,600 was given to 55 cancer patients. In Falkirk, Macmillan provided over £37,800 to 107 cancer patients.
Across Scotland Macmillan gave out around £1.5m in grants to almost 4,000 people to help them pay for basic necessities.
Stirling Council runs a service funded by Macmillan Cancer Support that offers emotional, practical, and financial help to people following a cancer diagnosis.
Kate Hudson, Stirling Council’svhead of people and community and wellbeing, said: “Lower income cancer patients are already feeling the pressure of higher bills and expenses due to a diagnosis but they’re now under even more stress to cover living costs.
“A lot of people have worked their whole lives and never needed to ask for help before. They have no idea where to turn to, or what they are entitled to.
“That’s what our staff are here for – to take away that worry, anxiety and to make everything a bit easier for people. They find out what their needs are and discuss how we can support them throughout their cancer journey. Our staff see the difference that a Macmillan grant can make to someone’s life, every day.”
Many people following a cancer diagnosis can apply for a one-off, means tested grant by talking to their local Macmillan Welfare Rights Team. To contact the Macmillan Forth Valley team, call 01786 233 525.
They can also call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00. They’re open seven days a week, 8am to 8pm and someone will listen and discuss their needs. Or they can speak to their Macmillan nurse, or another healthcare professional, who can help them apply for a Macmillan grant.
Janice Preston, head of partnerships for Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland, said: “These figures demonstrate how badly a cancer diagnosis can impact a person financially. I don’t think we’ve even touched the surface of how catastrophic this month’s increase in living costs are going to affect people facing a life-threatening illness.
“It shouldn’t be like this with a cancer diagnosis and we want to make sure that people with cancer know Macmillan are here for them, whatever it takes. You don’t have to struggle.
“Please pick up the phone and call our support line on 0808 808 0000. They’re open seven days a week, 8am to 8pm and someone will listen and discuss your needs or contact your local Welfare Rights Team. You’re not alone - there’s help and support here for you.”