22 March 2005
SPELLAR LAUNCHES MACMILLAN GUIDE TO HELP WITH CANCER COSTS
Minister for Social Development, John Spellar, launched a new booklet today to assist people affected by cancer in identifying sources of help with the cost of their illness. Published by cancer care specialists Macmillan Cancer Relief, the booklet is a guide to benefits and financial assistance for people affected by the disease.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister said, "Too often people in our communities for whatever reason, whether because of ill health, or a lack of education, money or opportunity, find that they are unable to participate fully in society. When at their most vulnerable they need to be able to access the services and facilities that open the door to inclusion not exclusion.
"The Department for Social Development is committed to tackling that social exclusion and a key challenge for us is to deliver our services in ways that help, rather than make it more difficult for those in need.
"I am delighted, therefore, to be part of today's launch because I believe the booklet we are launching is simply about just that. It is a vital signpost to the different kinds of financial assistance to which those in need might be entitled.
"I trust that it will make a significant improvement in raising awareness of benefits for cancer patients and their families in Northern Ireland."
The General Manager of Macmillan Cancer Relief in Northern Ireland, Heather Monteverde, added: "As an organisation, we are very conscious that for many people cancer is an expensive illness to have, often bringing increased costs at a time where there is a decrease in income.
"We are committed to ensuring that people affected by cancer get a better deal."
Also speaking at the launch, Etta Glass, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, said: "It's so important to know about the help that is available for people affected by cancer. The help and support I received from Macmillan Cancer Relief and the Social Security Agency proved a lifeline for me. They helped me deal with my illness and treatment and sort out the benefits I was entitled to. This booklet is for people just like me."
The partnership between the Social Security Agency and Macmillan Cancer Relief began in 2002 following evidence from Macmillan that many patients faced financial difficulty after a cancer diagnosis.
This new 'Help with the Cost of Cancer' booklet explains the different financial help available for anyone dealing with cancer and focuses on help available from state benefits.
It will be made widely available via the Macmillan campaign telephone line and the Macmillan website. In line with our commitment to deliver more services electronically, it is also available on the Social Security Agency's website.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- In 2004 the report 'Benefits Access for People affected by Cancer in Northern Ireland' was the outcome of a joint project between the Social Security Agency and Macmillan Cancer Relief. It focused on the problems faced by people affected by cancer and identified the main barriers that people affected with cancer face when attempting to access benefits.
- It recommended that all people affected by cancer are made aware that they may be entitled to benefits and are given information about what may be available and how to access it. The 'Help with the Cost of Cancer' booklet will assist in meeting this recommendation. The booklet explains the different kinds of financial help available for anyone dealing with cancer and focuses on help available from state benefits.
- Social Security Web Address www.ssani.gov.uk Macmillan Campaign Line 0800 500 800 Macmillan Web Address www.macmillan.org.uk
- For Media Enquiries contact Audrey Bertinat at the DSD Press Office on 9082 9496 or mobile 07786 338025.
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