Help is available through these difficult times

MANY local families are struggling with the financial impact of the pandemic but what about those facing a cancer diagnosis at the same time?

At Macmillan we want readers to know that help is at hand, our fantastic Macmillan team here in Rotherham are still providing support for people finding it hard to make ends meet.

Macmillan hardship grants are one-off, means tested payments for people living with cancer in the town facing financial difficulties. The grants are designed to help if you are on a low income and struggling to pay for everyday basics such as your heating bill, travel to hospital for treatment, clothing and bedding.

The Rotherham Macmillan Benefits Advice Service in the town was able to give over £62,000 in grants last year meaning almost 200 people in Rotherham were able to pay for home comforts such as heating their homes whilst shielding during the pandemic last year. All thanks to donations from the public.

The long-established Macmillan service in Rotherham, in partnership with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, has been providing people with financial support and assistance since 2009. The fabulous Macmillan team continue to talk to people every day with money worries because they can’t work due to their cancer treatment, and now the isolation and financial pressure of the lockdown is making things harder for many.

At Macmillan we expect that our charitable grants will continue to be a vital safety net for many as people deal with the double blow of a cancer diagnosis and the financial impact of the pandemic.

All this at a time when the charity is facing a huge drop in fundraised income due to Covid-19 and donations are needed more than ever before. We have launched an appeal in Yorkshire and every donation received will stay in the region to give vital support to those who need it. To find out more and make a donation please visit, www.macmillan.org.uk/yorkshireappeal or call 0300 1000 200.

Anyone diagnosed with cancer in Rotherham can contact the Macmillan Welfare Rights team by emailing [email protected] or calling 01709 823645.

I’d urge anyone reading who is living with cancer and struggling to call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 seven days a week or visit macmillan.org.uk.

Macmillan are only a phone call away and are waiting to help you, whatever it takes.