BENEFITS advisers working at a hospice have passed the £2 million mark in money raised for patients and families.
The milestone amount was reached by Citizens Advice advisers working in the Family Support Team at St Richard’s Hospice since 2009.
The advisers help gain financial support for patients with serious, progressive illnesses and their loved ones.
The amount is the combined achievement of current Citizens Advice advisers Colin Bexley and Safia Sawal, and their predecessors.
Sarah Popplestone-Helm, Head of Family Support Services, said: “We are immensely proud of the team, and congratulate them on this achievement.
“At what is often a very upsetting time for patients and families, our Citizens Advice Team can help ease some of their worries.
“We are grateful for their work on behalf of those we support.”
The advisers provide on-going support to their clients. This starts at the initial referral, and continues to the outcome of a benefit decision.
The Covid-19 pandemic means all their work is currently done virtually – either by phone call, or video call.
A large part of their work involves advising on benefits. This includes helping people apply for support, and checking their entitlement to benefits.
They also offer guidance on a wide range of issues, such as housing, debt, and employment. The team is supported by Citizens Advice Worcester.
Mr Bexley said: “It is so rewarding when we are able to help our clients resolve financial and other issues at a very difficult time in their lives.”
The main benefits applied for at St Richard’s include: Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, Carers Allowance, Universal Credit, Bereavement Benefits and Pension Credit. However, the list is vast.
Visit www.strichards.org.uk/supporting-the-family for more.
