Macmillan Cancer Support / CASL Partnership

The Citizens Advice Bureaux within South Cumbria are working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and operate a specialist welfare benefit service.  The Project employs four specialist workers who’s purpose is to improve the uptake of welfare benefits for people affected by cancer, by ensuring that they have access to specialist and independent advice. 

From the work already undertaken and through research completed prior to the project, it is clear that there are many in the community who are failing to claim their full entitlement.  Therefore, we believe that this new service will make a positive contribution to the lives of individuals and families by maximising their income.

Since the service began in July 2006 the specialists have assisted over 150 clients and obtained a total of over £300,000 per annum in benefits for them.  Consequently, it is clear that this new development is maximising the income of the people affected by cancer. 

How can the project help?

Many people are unaware that a range of benefits are NON MEANS tested, and that their entitlement is calculated by considering their mobility difficulties or care needs.  Therefore, the specialists will complete a full benefits check to ensure that all correct benefit entitlements are claimed.  They are also able to provide information, assist with form filling and provide representation at Appeals and Tribunals.  The advice and assistance is available to all those affected by cancer; This includes the patient, their families and carers.

To arrange an appointment or discuss any concerns you may have, please contact one of our caseworkers directly using the contact details below.

You can download a leaflet about the project here (requires Adobe Acrobat)

CONTACTS

Ulverston Helen Forrest Citizens Advice South Lakeland Town Hall Annexe Theatre Street Ulverston LA12 7AQ Tel: 01229 585635 Mobile 07968 934147 Email: helen.forrest@hotmail.co.uk	Kendal Jeff Eaman Citizens Advice South Lakeland Blackhall Road Kendal LA9 4BT Tel: 08701 264061 Mobile 0781 6570968 Email: jeff.eaman@cabsouthlakeland.org.uk
Barrow in Furness Nanette Pyatt Barrow CAB Abbey Road Barrow in Furness LA14 5QW Tel: 01229 840274 Fax: 01229 840271 Mobile: 07940 245789 Email: macbarrow@googlemail.com	Windermere / Grange / Ambleside Sharon Addison Cumbria Rural CAB Ellerthwaite Road Windermere LA23 2AJ Tel: 015394 46464 Mobile: 07854 157822 Email: crcabmac@orange.net

Links:

Macmillan - www.macmillan.org.uk

NHS Direct - www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk