A partnership between our local Citizens Advice and another charity has secured half a million pounds to help people who have cancer.
The collaboration between Citizens Advice and Macmillan Cancer Support, launched earlier this year, was celebrated at an event held in Morecambe on Thursday.
Guests, including Councillor Roger Dennison, Mayor of Lancaster, attended a coffee morning at The Sanctuary cafe on Queen Street where they heard how the partnership has secured £508,000 in support funding.
This will help people in our community who have been diagnosed with cancer, who may also be struggling with financial insecurity.
Joanna Young, chief executive of Citizens Advice North Lancashire, said: “We know at Citizens' Advice that many people find themselves having to deal with difficult financial issues at a terrible time.
"What this partnership project has allowed to happen is that anyone who finds themselves in such difficulties is able to be fast-tracked to financial support.”
Joanna said that funding allowed the partnership to recruit a Macmillan Adviser in order to support those cancer patients who found themselves suddenly out of work or on statutory sick pay and struggling to make ends meet.
Phil McGrath, who is also a volunteer with Beyond Radio, has been appointed to the post.
Lorraine Jones, Macmillan Information and Support Manager for Morecambe Bay Trust, said the new partnership had allowed the small Macmillan team operating in the district to be able to concentrate on their patients’ health care requirements and how important this was, given that in the last quarter they had received around 1300 referrals.
“We’ve always had a good relationship with Citizens’ Advice and this partnership has allowed us to free up more time to deal with the many people who are being referred to us," said Lorraine.
"Knowing that there is help available in dealing with the sometimes complex financial situations cancer sufferers and their families are faced with is wonderful.
"Phil has done a fantastic job in helping local people with cancer get their finances in order."
Phil aims to contact those who need support within two days of a referral and can be contacted for advice on 07506 902423 or by email at philm@northlancashirecab.org.uk
INTERVIEW: Award-winning festival set to celebrate Italy in Lancaster
Lancaster MP welcomes return of mobile phone coverage
INTERVIEW: Historic Heysham pub to reopen as new management aims to 'bring community together'
Traffic diverted as Lancaster quay closed for rail bridge works
Caravan fire in Morecambe spreads to two other vehicles
Morecambe's two bathing beaches receive Seaside Awards amid calls to improve water quality
Lancaster remains best university in North West England in Complete University Guide
'Music with the Mayor' initiative launched to support North Lancashire’s Citizens Advice
DIARY: Beyond Radio presenter fighting cancer continues his '60 Before 60' challenge
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
Mother and son unveiled as new Lancaster mayoral team
New police and crime commissioner for Lancashire begins role
