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How our Macmillan Cancer Welfare Benefits project supports Hillingdon residents
Following our recent appearance on Akash Radio, Joanna Smith Macmillan Cancer Welfare Benefits project lead shared more about the work she and the team do, and why it matters so much for older residents in Hillingdon in particular. Click here to hear the full interview.
Why so many people miss out
Joanna sees it often: older residents not claiming the full entitlements they're eligible for. It isn't usually reluctance. It's a lack of information, misinformation, and gaps in awareness of what's actually available. Many people simply don't know a benefit exists, or assume they won't qualify.
How we work with residents
Support is delivered face to face, including at Hillingdon Hospital, and always starts with understanding the person in front of us: how they communicate best, their digital confidence, the languages they speak, and whether they'd benefit from a telephone interpreter.
Sessions often take longer than a standard advice appointment, since information may need repeating, and double sessions are commonly built in as a result. It's a routine part of how the team works, and something they're well practised in.
Language support includes access to a telephone interpreting service covering a wide range of languages, alongside CAH colleagues and volunteers who speak a range of community languages themselves.
"You're in good hands"
As Joanna puts it: "We love the job, and we see good results." for example Paul's story
Paul, 56, has blood cancer and is the primary carer for his elderly mother, whose health has been deteriorating. Concerned that her son wasn't getting better himself, Paul's mum encouraged him to seek help.
With Joanna's support, Paul was able to access disability benefits, support that has since helped with practical, everyday costs including taxis, gardening, and shopping, making day to day life easier and more comfortable for both him and his mum.
Our approach
At Citizens Advice Hillingdon, we see everyone as an individual. We provide a detailed level of care and support, and our advisers work hard to make a real difference, with dignity at the centre of everything we do.
Living with cancer and need help now?
Contact the Macmillan Cancer Welfare Benefits project directly:
📞 Macmillan answerphone: 07497 366146
Acknowledgements
With thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund – Awards for All (project: Connected Communities), Macmillan Cancer, and Akash Radio for supporting this work and helping us empower residents through free advice, information, and community support opportunities.
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