Macmillan perspective Impact of advice on people affected by Cancer Geoff Brown, Centre Manager, Macmillan Horizon Centre.

6 In fact, nearly one in two of us will get cancer.

Total Prevalence - now Total Prevalence Diag & Treatmt Rehabili tation Early Monitor ing Later Monitor ing Prog illness End of Life Care

Sussex and cancer Every day 24 people in Sussex hear the devastating news they have cancer, and 13 people die from the illness. Overall, the incidence of cancer in Sussex is similar to the UK average of 403 diagnoses per 100,000 people every year.

Why does Macmillan support Advice provision ?

The financial costs of Cancer 85% of people are £570 per month worse off

Loss of Income 30% loss of income of, on average, £860 pcm 33% stopped work

Extra expense 85% of cancer patients find monthly expenses increase by an average of £270 69% the cost of outpatient appointments is £170 per month 37% extra cost of £70 per month for clothing & equipment. 27% not aware of free prescriptions

Extra expense 27% not aware of free prescriptions 11% extra dental costs 33% extra heating costs of at least an extra £24 per month 28% not able to keep their homes adequately heated

Side effects of treatment Fatigue – not able to work, get themselves to appointments Suppressed immune system Feel the cold (at home more) Diet changes, need to eat well or follow a special diet Weight changes - need new clothes Need specific equipment or modify home

Emotional costs “I was able to relax more not worry about food and bills.” “Saved me getting too stressed” “Less stress about money helps healing” “Left me feeling more at ease to deal with my condition and took away my worries” “When trauma strikes your whole world seems upside down. Where do you start?”

Patient Knowledge and Capacity Self exclude, reluctant to seek support Not aware of entitlements Delays and barriers receiving support Struggle to explain symptoms and relate these to benefit entitlements Too stressed, worried and tired to look into entitlements or access support Unlikely to challenge decisions

Macmillan Support for Advice Macmillan Direct Support & leaflets be.macmillan.org.uk be.macmillan.org.uk Macmillan Grants Financial Advice Local Benefits Advice Services

Role and function Benefits advisers what benefits and tax credits are available and help to apply for them challenging incorrect benefit decisions health costs, such as travel to hospital for treatment access to charitable grants housing and fuel costs where to access appropriate advice on other issues, such as debt, housing and employment signposting to other organisations who can provide additional help 18 Macmillan Welfare Benefits Service

Macmillan Advice Services in Sussex West Sussex – CAB Brighton & Hove – CAB East Sussex – BHT & MAPS The Martlets – Age UK

East Sussex Client A Increased income £4500+ £140 reduction on winter energy bill and utility debts cleared / managed. Macmillan grant to help with impact of treatment Client able to get refund on travel to appointments from NHS Travel Costs Scheme Resolved debt and residency issues Client felt in control of finances and anxiety and stress removed.

West Sussex Jacqui’s Story

Glasgow Costs £250,000 8 Full time advisors from the project 8 Full time advisors seconded by partners 7 Outreach venues 1800 cancer patients seen

Glasgow Benefits for Service Users £4,691,690 benefits and grants gained Prevented 14 families losing their home Prevented 13 families having Utilities cut off

Glasgow Benefits for Healthcare and other local services £108,434 productivity gains for NHS Savings of £9108 through appropriate use of psychology services. Savings of £602,000 by preventing tenancy failure Savings of £511,512 by preventing debt – related mental health issues.

2014 National Review and mapping 1 in 3 people affected by cancer require a local Benefits advice service Integration with acute settings gets the highest footfall Target specific pathway points: - Diagnosis / Treatment (as early as possible) - Palliative care - End of Life Multiple channels (Face to face, phone, )

Macmillan Welfare Benefits Services across Sussex 2014 Funding: £240,000 Clients seen: 1545 Income gained: £4,924,623

Health impact of Advice Able to continue treatment Increased ability to look after own health Able to live independently longer Improved emotional and psychological wellbeing Reduced pressure and worry on carers/family Reduction in time pressure on health professionals.