Project Raises over £500,000 for Cancer Sufferers

14 May 2010

Crippling financial pressures faced by people living with cancer in Morpeth have been lifted thanks to the town's Citizens Advice Bureau.

Castle Morpeth Citizens Advice Bureau's MacMillan Project has helped cancer suffers, and their families, from across the area to access over £504,000 of vital financial support to relieve any existing or potential money concerns. 

Since its launch in 2007 the project, which is delivered through the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, has been supporting people  diagnosed with cancer and their families to easily access essential welfare benefits.

Liz Chadwick, Chief Executive of DAWN Advice which manages Castle Morpeth Citizens Advice Bureau, said: "Fighting cancer is a horrendous ordeal no matter what people's personal circumstances are and added pressures around money can only have further negative effects on their health, possibly hindering their recuperation.

"The benefits system is there to help exactly these people, but finding your way around it can be difficult at the best of times. We can help people by showing them where to go, who to speak to and can even help them fill in the right forms.

"Through the MacMillan Project we aim to support people affected by cancer by making them more aware of, and helping them to access, welfare benefits."

The welfare benefits which can be accessed through the MacMillan Project include employment and support allowance, carers allowance, disability living allowance and attendance allowance for the over 65s. The service can also offer help to people applying for a Macmillan Cancer Support grant which can be used to cover the costs of heating, extra clothing or even a much needed break.

Established in 1998, DAWN Advice is a social enterprise and a member of the UK's largest network of free, advice-providing organisations, adviceuk and a member of the National Association of Citizen's Advice Bureau.

Anyone living with cancer and who may benefit from additional financial support should contact David Philips at Castle Morpeth Citizens Advice Bureau on 01670 512 831.