Finances
We understand that living with lymphoedema can sometimes have an impact on you financially, our aim with this page is to help signpost you to services that can offer help, support and advice. This list is not exhaustive and if you know of any charities or support groups that have helped you out when you needed it, please let us know so we can share this with others.
Where can I get advice?
A good starting point to help guide you with general advice and support is Citizen’s Advice. They give free, quality, independent advice on benefits, work, debt and money, consumer, housing, family, law and courts, immigration and health. They can support benefits assessment to ensure you are claiming everything you are entitled to and provide support if you are dealing with debt. Advisors are able to provide food bank vouchers, give local service advice and refer you on to other specialist services.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 702 2020
Where can I get advice about debts?
Step Change are a leading debt charity. Their online debt advice service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If you would prefer to speak to someone, you can call their debt advice helpline on 0800 138 1111, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm.
www.stepchange.org
Telephone: 0800 138 1111
Where can I get help with my finances?
Turn2us is a national charity providing practical information and support to end financial insecurity. Their web page has an A – Z of benefits, a benefits calculator and lists local advisors.
www.turn2us.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 802 2000
Where can I find help accessing a foodbank and basic supplies?
The Trussell Trust run food banks, you can access their page for more information on the foodbanks they run. They also work in partnership with Citizens Advice and run a free helpline “Help through Hardship”, the number is detailed below.
You must apply for a voucher before you can use a local Trussell Trust food bank. Citizen’s Advice can offer advice and refer you to a food bank. Your local council might also be able to tell you how to get a referral to a food bank (and provide advice with other essential costs like clothes and petrol). You can find your local council contact on: www.gov.uk/find-local-council
www.trusselltrust.org
Help Through Hardship: 0808 208 2138
What about advice on housing?
Shelter Cymru help people in Wales who are affected by the housing emergency; offering free, confidential and independent advice. Their web page has lots of information and resources and local service contacts. You can chat online or call their urgent housing helpline below:
www.sheltercymru.org.uk
Shelter Cymru Urgent Advice Helpline: 08000 495 495
What if I have had cancer?
The organisations listed below offer in-person and online services:
www.maggies.org
Maggie’s Telephone:
0300 123 1801
www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk
Tenovus Telephone:
0808 808 1010
www.macmillan.org.uk
Macmillan Telephone:
0808 808 0000
What about issues affecting older people?
Age UK are “experts in the issues affecting older people. Whether it's providing information and advice, being a friendly voice on the other end of the phone or helping make sure the voices of older people are heard.”
www.ageuk.org.uk
Age UK Telephone: 0800 678 1602
Other resources available from Lymphoedema Wales
We also have a range of leaflets and videos on related topics that you might find helpful here:
lwcn.nhs.wales/patient-information
*The above links open pages on third party websites and some content may not be available in Welsh.