Weston Park Cancer Charity and Citizens Advice service increases combined client income by over £2.8 million

A welfare benefit advice service, offered by Citizens Advice Sheffield in partnership with Weston Park Cancer Charity, has enabled clients to gain over £2.8 million in total in 2024/25.

The service is run by a team of specialist advisers who guide individuals through the support available to them and help them to apply for benefits.

In 2024/25, the welfare benefit advice service supported 1,013 people living with cancer, on issues ranging from personal independence payments (PIP) to council tax reductions.

After speaking to the Citizens Advice experts, service users were able to increase their annual income by £2,778 on average.

More people than ever were able to access our financial support this year, with weekly welfare appointments now available in Manor and Darnall via the Big Purple Bus.

As of April 2025, clients can also attend welfare benefit advice sessions on Thursdays at SOAR Works in Parson Cross.

The financial impact of cancer

A cancer diagnosis can affect an individual’s ability to work, and lead to additional costs such as higher heating bills and increased travel expenses.

In 2022, insurance company Zurich Intermediary found that on average, people’s monthly outgoings went up by £541 after a cancer diagnosis.

Our Citizens Advice welfare appointments help to combat the financial impact of cancer by ensuring that service users are accessing the right support for them.

The service can also support people who are having issues at work following a cancer diagnosis, such as worries about discrimination or concerns about taking time off.

Jonathan Proctor, Welfare Benefit Adviser at Citizens Advice said:

“It can be challenging to get your head around all of the different benefits and allowances that are out there – especially when you’re coping with a cancer diagnosis.

“Our job is to make things as simple as possible, and to ensure people get all the financial assistance that they’re entitled to. We’re delighted to have supported over a thousand people living with cancer this year and to have increased their collective income by over £2.8 million.”

Anna Palmer, Head of Cancer Support Services at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said:

“It has been a critical year for our welfare benefit advice service, with the Big Purple Bus now bringing appointments directly into the community.”

“The last thing you need to be worried about when you’re living with cancer is how you’re going to pay the bills. If you’ve been impacted by cancer and are struggling with your finances, then please get in touch. We’re here to help, every step of the way.”

To find out more about Weston Park Cancer Charity’s financial support services, head to westonpark.org.uk/managing-financially