Cancer sufferers advice group helps finance costs

Macmillan Cancer Support and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau are working together in Mexborough and Doncaster to provide expert advice on what benefits sufferers should be claiming

The organisation has brought in two dedicated welfare rights advisers and a project co-ordinator employed by the CAB and funded by Macmillan Cancer Support.

People affected by cancer in Doncaster and Mexborough can be referred to the advisers by health professionals, or they can refer themselves.

Weekly advice sessions are held at the St John’s Information and Support Centre, Balby, with weekly sessions also planned for Doncaster Royal Infirmary in Thorne and the Montague Hospital, Mexborough.

Home visits can also be arranged for those unable to travel.

The project has been running at full strength since June and has so far taken on 57 cases and has raised more than 51,980 in additional benefits.

Macmillan regional director Maureen Rutter said: “The last thing people affected with cancer want is reams of complicated government forms to fill in and the confusion of trying to work out what kind of financial help they can receive.

“Macmillan is delighted to be working in partnership with Doncaster and Mexborough Citizen’s Advice Bureau - already over 50,000 has been claimed for cancer patients and I’ve a feeling it’s the tip of the iceberg.”

The service can be contacted on 01302 735 221 in Doncaster and 07946 338 675 in Mexborough.