Western Isles cancer patients supported with vital home and energy support

Over the past two years, the partnership identified those most in need and provided immediate, targeted support to improve the physical, mental and financial well-being of people with cancer and their households.

The combined expertise of TIG and the Macmillan Benefits Service has created an effective and robust referral network, which has allowed help and support to happen quickly, in a targeted way, at a point in time when people have needed it most. Referrals to other external agencies has further widened the support the coalition has been able to offer to local people affected by the disease.

Assistance has included insulation, heating installation, large white goods, small energy-efficient appliances and vouchers to go towards energy costs. Entirely funded by grants awarded to TIG, the help has been invaluable as the intervention has been able to be quick and tangible.  

Those who were helped have described the support they received as:

“A first-class service – one very grateful recipient” 
“I never would have thought I would receive so much help and support at this difficult time” 
“The service I received was outstanding”
“I don’t know how we would have managed financially without the help to heat our home”
“Each interaction with the officer has been a positive experience. I felt so comfortable and at ease, which was just as important to me as the help offered”.

Martha MacLeod, fuel poverty officer, Tighean Innse Gall, said: “Through our partnership with the Macmillan Benefits Service, we have been able to provide practical, targeted support at the point people have needed it most, helping households stay warm, reduce financial stress and feel supported during an incredibly tough time. The feedback we have received shows just how meaningful this help has been for local people across the Western Isles.”

Kay MacKinnon, advisor, the Macmillan Benefits Service, said: “My intention from day one of starting up the Macmillan Benefits Service has been to take a holistic approach to the client and their needs. I have garnered a good working relationship with many agencies over the years, TIG being one of them.

“Heating costs is a very big concern for all in the community but especially for cancer patients going through treatment. Over the years, having such a good working partnership has provided many successful outcomes. I am more than happy to support TIG in funding bids as I know cancer patients across the Western Isles will benefit vastly from any funding that they receive.”