A cancer charity is assuring West Lothian patients they don’t have to feel alone as the cost of living and energy prices soar.
Macmillan Cancer Support gave over £48,000 to 134 struggling cancer patients in West Lothian in 2021, and expects more people than ever will need financial support across 2022
The money helped to help pay for essentials, ranging from gas and electric bills to transport for hospital appointments.
As energy prices have rocketed as much as 50 per cent this month and with the cost of living on the rise, the charity is bracing itself for a flood of people looking for support but is still urging anyone in need to reach out.
Across Scotland Macmillan gave out around £1.5m in grants to almost 4000 people to help them pay for basic necessities.
Janice Preston, head of partnerships for Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland is urging people living with cancer across the country to reach out and seek help, she said: “These figures demonstrate how badly a cancer diagnosis can impact a person financially. I don’t think we’ve even touched the surface of how catastrophic this month’s increase in living costs are going to affect people facing a life-threatening illness.
"It shouldn’t be like this with a cancer diagnosis and we want to make sure that people with cancer know Macmillan are here for them, whatever it takes. You don’t have to struggle.
“Please pick up the phone and call our Support Line on 0808 808 0000, they’re open seven days a week, 8am to 8pm and someone will listen and discuss your needs or contact your local Welfare Rights Team. You’re not alone - there’s help and support here for you.”
Many people following a cancer diagnosis can apply for a one-off, means tested grant by talking to their local Macmillan Welfare Rights Team. To contact the West Lothian Macmillan team, call 01506 283 000.
They can also call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, seven days a week, 8am to 8pm, or they can speak to their Macmillan nurse who can help them apply for a Macmillan grant.
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