Local charity Dorothy House has launched an appeal to raise awareness of the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on those diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.
A nurse with a patient at the Inpatient Unit at Dorothy House Hospice | Photo © Dorothy House
The increasing cost of living means that 1 in 4 working-age people that are diagnosed with a life-limiting illness are dying in poverty in the UK.
Pensions are typically used as financial support as people retire and near the end of their lives.
However, for those faced with a life-limiting diagnosis, they are at risk due to not being able to access their pension before the age of 65.
Philly Gaisford, Individual Giving Fundraiser at Dorothy House, said: “When you’re living with a life-limiting illness, and no longer able to work, you shouldn’t feel your only option is to go without warmth and food and the most basic home comforts just to make ends meet.
“But, uncertain about the help you’re entitled to, and left to navigate a benefits system that all too frequently displays a lack of compassion, too many people end up like this. An already cruel situation becomes a full-blown crisis.
“The spiralling cost of living means that more patients than ever are turning to us for advice and support.
“Whether parents in young families or pensioners living alone, people with life-limiting illnesses are enduring immense financial pressures.
“No one in our community deserves to feel anxious about how their family will make ends meet without them.”
Dorothy House contributes to the provision of a welfare rights advice service in the area.
Over 750 people are referred to this service each year. The team are there when patients and their families need advice and help to access financial and other support they may be entitled to.
Every £1 donated to Dorothy House could result in £19 of vital income for a patient and their family thanks to advice the charity is able to give to those most in need.
You can find out more and donate at https://www.dorothyhouse.org.uk/poverty/.
