Cancer patients get free benefits advice

While she may face an uncertain future with the discovery of another tumour in her bowel, she at least does not have the added stress of sorting out her finances.

The 50-year-old mother, from Leith, spoke ahead of today's opening of a new benefits advice service on South Bridge, launched by Macmillan Cancer Support and the city council.

Its aim is to give patients and their families help to get benefits which could make a big difference as they fight the condition.

Ms Mitchell said: "If you are told you have cancer and you then undergo treatment for it, money worries can add more stress.

"I found my application one of the least stressful things I have ever done, thanks to Macmillan."

Ms Mitchell, a Bank of Scotland worker, was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2002.

She has since had periods of remission, as well as the discovery of new tumours which have resulted in surgery and chemotherapy.

The result has been bigger petrol bills for her family and friends who take her to appointments, as well as utility demands that often triple as she struggles to keep warm at home after chemotherapy sessions.

Ms Mitchell is hoping to be able to return to work and had no idea she was entitled to financial help until her district nurse put her in touch with Macmillan, who sent a team member round to help fill out a 20-page application form.

Within weeks it emerged she was eligible for Disability Living Allowance, a disabled blue badge for her car and a bus pass.

She said: "It couldn't have been easier. I know for some people there is a stigma attached to getting benefits, but really, this is nobody else's business.

"If there is help out there that can make a difference, people should take it."

The City of Edinburgh Macmillan Welfare Rights Partnership will operate from the Advice Shop, on South Bridge, as well as offering sessions from the charity's Patient Information Centre at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Elspeth Atkinson, Macmillan's Scottish director, said the service would make a "real difference" to people in Edinburgh affected by cancer.

Pensioner Iain Scott, 72, from Tynecastle, is one of them. He had been struggling to heat his home following a prostate cancer diagnosis in May 2008, but was offered advice by Macmillan which secured him financial help.

He said: "A few days later, a cheque for a Macmillan grant landed on my door mat. It was for 400 and has helped tremendously."

HELPING EASE FINANCIAL BURDEN

MONEY is unlikely to be the first thing anyone thinks of when they, or a loved one, are diagnosed with cancer. But the reality of living with the condition is that life can become more expensive, particularly if work is not an option.

Major financial burdens can come about from travel costs to and from appointments and more costly heating bills, as well as the day-to-day running of a home.

Staff at the new City of Edinburgh Macmillan Welfare Rights Partnership can help. They can help people apply for a wide range of financial packages, including Incapacity Benefit, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Carer's Allowance.

For details call 0131-225 1255 or e-mail [email protected]