The collaboration is the first of its kind - where all hospice patients, not just those with cancer, can access the service funded by Macmillan in partnership with The Myton Hospices and Coventry Citizens Advice.
The free service based at Coventry Myton Hospice offers practical advice and guidance about benefits, finances, housing or social and welfare issues to all of the hospice’s patients and their carers.
The aim is to guide people through some of the issues that come from being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and to help them access any financial, social or welfare support that they may be entitled to.
Kieran Howell has taken on the new post of Macmillan Financial and Benefit Advisor based at the hospice. Kieran is an experienced advisor having worked for Coventry Citizens Advice for a number of years.
Ruth Freeman, CEO for The Myton Hospices, said:
We are delighted to be working in partnership with Coventry Citizens Advice and Macmillan to be able to offer this new service to our patients and families.
We are always looking for ways we can support patients with a terminal illness and their families during what is obviously an extremely difficult time.
Being able to access this type of advice and support within the hospice really will make a big difference.
I would like to thank Coventry Citizens Advice and Macmillan for helping to make this possible.
Jon Perry, Chief Executive for Coventry Citizens Advice, said:
“Coventry Citizens Advice is thrilled to be part of this ground- breaking partnership with The Myton Hospices and Macmillan Cancer Support to provide this much needed service for individuals and families affected by terminal illnesses.
Together, we are committed to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community by providing practical advice and emotional support during a difficult time.
We are excited to be launching this new service and look forward to working with The Myton Hospices and Macmillan Cancer Support to have a positive impact in the lives of the people we serve.”
Nisreen Badiozzaman, Partnership Manager – Midlands for Macmillan, said:
Macmillan Cancer Support is delighted to support this exciting new service, and continue to work in partnership with Myton Hospice and Coventry Citizen Advice teams.
We will always strive to support people affected by cancer, and recognise that palliative and end of life needs are complex and present very challenging times for the families.
Feedback from previous clients includes:
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart not only for the monetary help but also for talking to me not rushing me taking time and patience with me. Just for being so very supportive.
We want to thank you so much for what you have done for us both.
There have been some very dark days over the last six months and it is so pleasing knowing that what you have done for us will bring a ray of sunshine back unto out lives.
Thank you again.
The hope is to be able to roll the service out to Myton’s other hospices in Warwick and Rugby when the one-year pilot has successfully concluded.
