St Barnabas’ Welfare and Benefits team support approximately 350 patients and their families each month with practical and financial help. Their work goes far beyond paperwork; it is about providing stability, dignity and reassurance at a time when so much feels uncertain.
A key part of this support is how closely the Welfare and Benefits Team works with frontline services across the organisation. The team are deeply integrated with the St Barnabas community teams, often joining discussions about patient care to ensure financial needs are recognised alongside clinical ones.
This includes acknowledging the emotional and psychological impact that money worries can have on patients and their families – stress that can worsen symptoms, affect wellbeing, and undermine a person’s sense of control.
Chloe, Welfare and Benefits Manager at St Barnabas, explains: “In our large, rural county, many patients must travel long distances for treatment. Some even refuse treatment because of costs. That’s why our team are here, to advise on everything from benefits and energy bills, to blue badges, funeral planning and Will writing.
We see so many people facing money worries and isolation during what should be a time of care and comfort, and many can’t access help elsewhere. We try to take as much financial burden off as we can, to ensure no one is left navigating things alone.”
As Christmas approaches, financial pressures on families grow. Rising energy and food costs can make the festive season particularly difficult. Chloe’s team works tirelessly to help families access the benefits, grants, and vouchers they are entitled to, allowing them to celebrate and create normal festive memories.
Chloe continues: “For our patients and their families, maintaining a sense of normality at Christmas – even in small ways – means everything. We want them to still feel they can enjoy these moments, despite the challenges brought by illness or financial hardship.”
St Barnabas can only provide this service with your support.
By considering giving a gift to St Barnabas, you can help fight inequalities in hospice care, making sure families in rural areas or facing financial problems get the support they need.
By way of example, a donation of £33 pays for a Welfare Advisor to support a patient or family to access the benefits they are entitled to.
Donate today: Make a Donation to St Barnabas Hospice
Find out more: Welfare & Benefits – St Barnabas Hospice