West Lothian financial team are working hard to ease the pain of cash worries for people suffering cancer

Jul 9 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

FAMILIES in the West Lothian who are affected by cancer have been given over £1.6 million of help thanks to the work of a local service.

The West Lothian Macmillan Advice Team, a partnership between West Lothian Council’s Advice Shop and the Macmillan Cancer Support charity, have celebrated their successful first year.

The team was set up to help tackle the financial worries of those affected by cancer.

Macmillan research has shown that worries of finance is the second biggest cause of stress for people with cancer and their carers, after physical pain.

In their first year, the team has helped 461 local residents with their finances, and assisted in securing £41,000 Macmillan grants to help people in financial hardship as a result of their cancer diagnosis.

They have also helped increase yearly benefit income for people with cancer in West Lothian by £1,653,533,40, far exceeding their £1 million target.

Senior Welfare Rights Officer, Linda Adlard, said that everyone connected with the service has been delighted at the success within the first year.

She continued: “We are delighted at the difference we are making to residents throughout West Lothian.

“We will continue our efforts to reach as many people as possible in this area who have been affected by cancer to see if we can be of assistance to them and their families.”

Local resident Richard Thomson was among those helped by the West Lothian Macmillan Advice Team in the last year and he has nothing but praise for the support which he has been offered.

Richard was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

In addition to this devastating news, he also found that financial worries about how he was going to support his family overtook his concerns over the illness.

But he has straightforward advice for people who find themselves in a similar situation.

“You don’t need to sit and worry about what to do next, contact the West Lothian Macmillan Advice Team,” said Richard.

“Let them guide you through the maze and relieve some of the worry.”

Elspeth Atkinson, Macmillan Cancer Support’s director for Scotland, added: “A cancer diagnosis can have an enormous impact on someone’s income and many people don’t realise they are eligible for financial help from government.

“As well as identifying the welfare benefits and hardship grants patients may be entitled to, workers also fill in the complex forms and will appeal if their client’s application is unsuccessful.

“Since it was established just over a year ago, this service has made a huge impact. By helping people to maximise their income, this service aims to make life more tolerable for people affected by cancer.”

The West Lothian Macmillan Advice Team can be contacted at the Advice Shop in Unit 17, Waverley Industrial Estate, Waverley Street, Bathgate, EH48 4HY, call/fax 01506 776227 or e-mail Macmillan@westlothian.gov.uk