Category Archives: Cancer

Hidden carers miss out on £1,000s in benefits help

Guy Anker
News Editor

Many on low incomes who care for loved ones or friends are entitled to over £3,000 a year in the carer’s allowance alone, plus the fact they’re in that position may trigger eligibility for other benefits.

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There are approximately six million carers in the UK. However, huge numbers don’t claim.

Benefits charity Elizabeth Finn Care estimates 300,000 people who are eligible do not claim carer’s allowance.

Other non-financial support is also sometimes available from local authorities and charities to those who ask for help.

Cancer charity Macmillan says over a million people caring for someone with cancer miss out on vital support, which may go beyond straightforward state handouts.

Brain tumour charities lobby Parliament

Charities lobbied Parliament last week, asking MPs to join the fight against brain tumours.

MPs were encouraged to improve awareness about brain tumours by pledging to sign an Early Day Motion, signing an e-petition, and to do more to promote awareness of brain tumours in their constituencies and to participate in meetings of the All Party Brain Tumour Group. Several Members of Parliament were photographed signing a Brain Tumour Pledge to help raise the issues with Parliament (Conservative MP Andrew Selous is pictured above).

Working together on cancer support

Have a voice in how cancer services are improved

PATIENTS, staff, families and carers are working together on an initiative to help improve cancer services in Bedfordshire.

The Bedford Cancer Action Partnership has been set up by Bedford Hospital as part of its commitment to improving patient experience by encouraging patients and carers to get involved in shaping the future of their local health services.