The Council’s Macmillan Welfare Rights team, which is funded by Macmillan, has helped residents claim £3.45million in welfare benefits and grant claims.
This is to directly support those affected by cancer including family, friends, and carers.
This money will contribute towards easing the detrimental financial effects cancer has on families.
To highlight the support available, fund-raising events such as local coffee mornings regularly took place across the borough helping to raise over £1,000 for Macmillan within the past year.
Over 1,000 clients have received support through free confidential advice, access to welfare benefits, grant claims, and other sources of assistance available.
The service will continue to work closely with NHS and other essential support services to provide the appropriate care.
Face-to-face support is available for patients, carers, and visitors at the Macmillan Information Support Centre in Rotherham Hospital.
With help from other Macmillan teams both nationally and locally the Council will continue to help people through their journey with cancer.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Sarah Allen, said: “I am very pleased that the Council’s Macmillan service can continue to support those impacted by cancer with £3.45million in welfare benefits and grant claims. For residents living with cancer in Rotherham, the team’s support and advice makes an incredible difference, helping to ease their money worries and helping support their families during a very difficult time.”
Strategic Partnership Manager for the North of England at Macmillan, Lorna Leach, said: “Cancer affects more than just people’s health. It can impact finances, jobs, relationships and more. We're proud to work with Rotherham Council to ensure that people facing the realities of cancer can access specialist advisors who can help them get the help they need.”
