Grants support patients during cost-of-living crisis
In 2022, we introduced a new financial scheme for haematology patients in response to the cost-of-living crisis.
Amongst our range of support services, ELF offers emergency funds to patients referred to us by the Clinical Nurse Specialist team. Our Patient Support Grant programme offers £500 per patient and provides a lifeline to families whose lives have been turned upside down by blood cancer. This year alone we have been able to offer support to a range of patients who are in urgent need.
At ELF we want to do more than offer short-term solutions to longer term problems, which is why our Patient Support Grant Programme incorporates partnerships with the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (RDU) and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB). Patients are referred by the nurses who know them best, funds are made available immediately while the CAB supports longer term arrangements, such as Universal Credit.
The current economic climate has seen an increase in the pressure on our scheme. Through careful review of our service portfolio, we have been able to set aside funds for two patients per month, a total commitment from the charity of £12,000 this year. But the need is much, much greater.
We are already seeing an increase in applications to the programme and expect these to continue to rise throughout the year. You can help today by registering to become a Regular Giver through a direct debit. In doing so, you will be helping to ensure that no patient in need is turned away.