Can Assist Merriwa much appreciates the vital support given by greenslips.com.au.
Since the Merriwa branch opened, Can Assist has had 19 enquiries and helped 10 cancer patients. The Merriwa branch now has 21 volunteers who provide practical support to local cancer patients. Can Assist Merriwa also provide financial support to those who need it.
For more, see Offering vital support in Hunter Valley News 25 August 2021
Or the Edition on page 3.
Can Assist Merriwa is keeping cancer patients on the road to recovery. Its new partnership with greenslips.com.au means local cancer patients do not have to worry about their greenslips.
June 2021 was Can Assist Merriwa’s first anniversary, after it was established by Marlene Rogers, who survived bowel cancer. She experienced the incredible support provided by volunteers for Can Assist.
Read The Scone Advocate, 19 August 2021, Merriwa group Can Assist is keeping cancer patients on the road to recovery
Also see Hunter Valley News, 19 August 2021, Merriwa group Can Assist is keeping cancer patients on the road to recovery
Media release: 16 August 2021
Cancer patients across Merriwa who rely on their cars to travel to and from treatment will benefit from crucial funding that cancer assistance network, Can Assist Merriwa has received from greenslips.com.au.
Can Assist provides practical and financial support to cancer patients in Merriwa and surrounding townships, through travel, food and fuel vouchers, pharmaceuticals and utilities payments. The volunteers who run the branch know that there are many more in the community who need help – and they’re keen to support more patients in need, especially with the funds from www.greenslips.com.au to help pay for cancer patients’ CTP green slip insurance.
Last month (June) marked Can Assist Merriwa’s first anniversary, after it was established by Marlene Rogers, a bowel cancer survivor. Marlene experienced firsthand the unique support of Can Assist, when the Tamworth branch assisted her when she was going through treatment.
“Their support blew me away, and when I was well again, I decided to open the branch in Merriwa,” she says.
Fast forward 12 months and Can Assist Merriwa now has 21 volunteers and is supporting 10 local cancer patients. It provides confidential support to cover everyday bills and the costs associated with cancer, even assistance with housekeeping and gardening.
“Cancer costs a lot of money, especially when you live in the country,” says Marlene.
The branch recently helped a patient who came home from four weeks treatment and needed immediate support to clean their house. Can Assist paid for alternate accommodation, cleaning, and provided help with everyday bills while the patient got back on their feet.
What sets Can Assist apart from other charities is that all money raised stays local to help local cancer patients across the district. The branch is funded entirely by local donations, local fundraising events, and corporate support such as greenslips.com.au. Marlene says the funds from greenslips.com.au will make a “huge difference”.
“Having a car is essential for local cancer patients because they have to travel extensively for treatment,” she says. “It’s much harder and more expensive for those in rural areas to get to treatment, compared to our city ‘cousins’. We have to travel hundreds of kilometres and stay overnight, because you can’t manage the trip home. And therein lies another expense.
“We have a lot of people in the area who travel for treatment. And a lot of people want to travel in their own car, take their time, pull over if needed, or travel with family or friends for support. So, to be able to offer payment for their greenslip is amazing! It will make a huge difference to their mental health and wellbeing.”
Branch President, David Martin says the money from greenslips.com.au will be a “big relief” for local cancer patients.
“It just takes the pressure off and the anxiety away,” he says. “So many country people are proud, with a ‘we’ll be right, battle through, give it to someone else’ attitude – but everyone deserves help.
“A car is the number one necessity; it’s over 200km, at least a 5-hour return trip, to Newcastle and Tamworth to visit the cancer specialists. A car provides privacy when you’re vulnerable. When you’re going through treatment, you don’t want to be around others, you want to be with family and friends. The car gives you a chance to talk in a low-key environment.”
Stephen Treacey, founder and owner of greenslips.com.au, a CTP green slip insurance price comparison and information website, says the work of Can Assist Merriwa typifies the enormous impact the charity has on people’s lives.
“I’m humbled by the work that Can Assist does,” he says. “We are proud to help Can Assist in its support of rural and regional cancer patients, to raise awareness of this wonderful charity and their work, and to help cancer patients with their CTP green slip insurance.
“To date, we have contributed to 28 branches across NSW, in addition to Can Assist’s head office. We estimate we have helped support over 280 cancer patients and their families by paying for CTP green slip insurance, ensuring they keep their cars on the road when they need them most – to get to and from treatment. Some of the distances people in rural and remote NSW have to travel to access cancer treatment are immense, and we hope we ease their cancer journey in more ways than one.”
Since the branch opened, Can Assist Merriwa has had 19 enquiries from cancer patients and is currently supporting 10 of different ages and at different stages of their cancer journey.
“It’s amazing what our branch has done in just one year,” Marlene says. “Can Assist is my passion. If I can help one person, I get immense joy out of that. Amazing things happen when you can give; you receive back so much more.”
David adds that not many people know about Can Assist Merriwa, so it’s crucial to get the message out there that “the funds are here, and we’re here to help”.
“The hardest part is getting people to accept help. If it relieves their situation, they can focus on fighting cancer and getting better. Let us help take the financial burden off you – and when you’re well you can help us,” he says.
Can Assist Merriwa is also welcoming new volunteers. “The more people are aware of us, the better. It means we can help more people,” David says. “We’d also love to see Can Assist branches open in other local towns, such as Muswellbrook and Singleton!”
For information about donating or volunteering with Can Assist Merriwa, contact 0431 939 093. For further information about how to support Can Assist, visit www.canassist.org.au.
Can Assist Merriwa is holding a fundraising event on Saturday 25 September at Merriwa Sports Club, doors open 5.30pm. Acclaimed drag queen Glenda Jackson is coming to town to perform, and it’s just $50 a head for a 2-course meal and the show, with plenty of glamour, comedy, fun and games. It’s almost booked out, so contact Marlene on 6548 5191 or 0431 939 093 to book*.
*Depends on COVID situation
Can Assist aims to ensure that all people, regardless of where they live in NSW, have access to cancer treatment and care. By providing accommodation, financial assistance and practical support to people from rural and regional areas, it ensures country people are given the same opportunities and treatment choices as those who live in city centres.
For further information:
Lisa Llewellyn
0419 401 362
lisa@llewcom.com.au
Marlene Rogers of Can Assist Merriwa did an excellent interview on ABC Radio Hunter Valley.
Amelia Bernasconi interviewed Marlene Rogers of Can Assist Merriwa. Can Assist Merriwa is just celebrating its first birthday. The branch is making an enormous difference to the lives of local cancer patients. As a result of the interview, a local corporation decided to make a donation.
Fast forward to around 1:17:54 to listen: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/upperhunter/programs/breakfast/breakfast/13476712
As the Tamworth Times says, green slips put a “fair dent in the wallet”. That is why the new partnership between greenslips.com.au and Can Assist Tamworth is so valuable.
The expenses of cancer treatment can be “astronomical”. They are even more so considering all the extra travelling patients in rural areas must do. Cancer patients in Tamworth will certainly benefit from having their greenslips paid for. It is one less thing to worry about.
Kristy Reading of ABC New England radio interviews Can Assist Tamworth secretary Pam Whitney. Pam welcomes new funding for Can Assist Tamworth from greenslips.com.au.
greenslips.com.au will pay for greenslips from the CTP insurers of their choice.
Can Assist Tamworth help local cancer patients pay their bills. It also offers other services for local cancer patients, and all services are voluntary.
To listen, fast forward to around 1hr 14mins for the clip: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/newengland/programs/breakfast/breakfast/13445704
The new partnership between greenslips.com.au and Can Assist Tamworth will be welcomed by local cancer patients.
The cost of cancer treatment can be so expensive. Patients in Tamworth often have to travel long distances to receive treatment. It will make a big difference to them to have greenslips.com.au pay for their greenslips. With the help of Can Assist, they can focus on getting better.
Read more here:
Media release
12 July 2021
Cancer patients residing within the Hunter New England Health Region and who rely on their cars to travel to and from treatment will benefit from new funding that Can Assist Tamworth has received from greenslips.com.au.
The partnership between greenslips.com.au and Can Assist, a community-based volunteer network that provides financial and practical support to people affected by cancer and living in country NSW, was forged in 2019, with funding provided to help pay for cancer patients’ green slip insurance. To date, greenslips.com.au has supported 28 Can Assist branches across NSW and is committed to supporting more.
Can Assist Tamworth provides support confidentially to cancer patients by paying for some of life’s essentials, such as car expenses, travel, accommodation, medication, household goods, and utility payments – among other expenses. And paying for CTP green slips is a common request.
Robyn Fitzgerald, Community Liaison Officer, says the funds from greenslips.com.au are an enormous help, because Can Assist often pays for patients’ green slips and car registration. “Without a car, they cannot get to treatment,” she says.
Adds Pam Whitney, Secretary of Can Assist Tamworth: “The injection of funds is timely, as last year all fundraising activities stopped because of the pandemic. For those undergoing treatment, things often happen at short notice, and expenses like CTP green slip insurance and car rego can surprise people.”
Pam, a cancer survivor herself, says that having a car is “absolutely vital, as public transport is limited”.
“You can’t live here without a car. If you live on the outskirts of town, there’s no way of getting around,” she says. “And it’s tough for those who live in towns like Manilla, Barraba or Bingara, which are 40km, 100km and 150km out of town respectively. We support people from those towns in particular, as they may have to travel to Tamworth on a daily basis.”
On average, Can Assist Tamworth supports more than 50 local cancer patients of different ages and who are at different stages of their cancer journey. In 2020 they helped 32 new cases, with the reduction in requests being attributed to COVID-19 concerns.
Oncology Social Worker Doug Weekes from the North West Cancer Centre at Tamworth Hospital, who has worked with Can Assist for over two years, calls Can Assist “our safety net for people who don’t have enough financial stability to go through cancer, of which there are many”.
Doug provides direction on where the Can Assist funds go. “It’s for patients who are struggling financially, or need support getting back on their feet, or who need money for things like groceries, pharmacy bills or green slips. Can Assist even paid for a hot water system for someone who was dying of cancer and wanted to stay in their own home.
“Over-the-counter pharmacy bills not covered by a Centrelink healthcare card can add up significantly. We see people who might struggle between choosing to put food on the table or travelling to see family – and for some, it might be the last time they can see family.”
Can Assist Tamworth is funded entirely by local donations, local fundraising events, and corporate support such as greenslips.com.au. All money raised locally stays local to help local cancer patients. “I just wish more people knew about us, especially cancer patients who need us the most,” says Robyn. “We don’t discriminate and we help with every type of cancer and with whatever they need.”
And while the branch has restarted fundraising activities, it has a desperate need for donations and volunteers. “We need new members and particularly young members,” adds Pam.
For more information on how to support Can Assist, visit www.canassist.org.au or call Can Assist Tamworth directly on 0459 424 448.
Can Assist aims to ensure that all people, regardless of where they live in NSW, have access to cancer treatment and care. By providing accommodation, financial assistance and practical support to people from rural and regional areas, it ensures country people are given the same opportunities and treatment choices as those who live in city centres.
www.canasssist.org.au
For further information:
Lisa Llewellyn
0419 401 362
lisa@llewcom.com.au
Can Assist Hay provides practical and financial support to cancer patients who are living in the Hay Shire.
Now thanks to a donation from greenslips.com.au, patients can keep their cars on the road to get to treatment.
A cancer diagnosis is hard enough, but many people in country areas have to travel long distances to treatment. They also value the privacy and independence of having their own vehicle. It is one less thing they have to worry about.
Read more, Cancer patients benefit from partnership between Can Assist and greenslips.com.au, Riverine Grazier Hay, 26 May 2021.
Media release 17 May 2021: Cancer patients across Hay who rely on their cars to travel to and from treatment will benefit from crucial new funding that Can Assist Hay has received from greenslips.com.au.The partnership between greenslips.com.au and Can Assist, a community-based volunteer network that provides financial and practical support to people affected by cancer and living in country NSW, was forged in 2019, with funding provided to help pay for cancer patients’ green slip insurance. To date, greenslips.com.au has supported 26 Can Assist branches across NSW and is committed to supporting more.
Can Assist Hay provides practical and financial support confidentially to cancer patients to cover travel expenses, fuel, accommodation, medical expenses such as PET scans, radiotherapy out-of-pockets and pharmaceuticals. Each year they support around 45 cancer patients.
“Having the funds from greenslips.com.au to pay for CTP green slips is wonderful,” says Marg Booth, Can Assist Hay President/Treasurer. “I’ve had some people say to me, ‘It’s fantastic we don’t have to think about it’. It’s peace of mind. A lot of them are struggling and it means they don’t have to go and find that $500 or the out-of-pocket costs.”
Having a car in Hay is crucial, adds Marg. “People have to travel to treatment, everything has to be done out of town – and that could mean travelling 160km to Griffith for chemo, or 270km to Wagga for radiotherapy. Some even have treatment in Albury, which is around 300km away. It’s a long way,” she says. “In addition, independence is more profound when you’re going through a health crisis. When you lose independence, it doesn’t help your mental health. We need to keep them mobile or they become too isolated.”
Can Assist Hay covers the entire Hay Shire, encompassing the Hay township, Maude, Oxley and Booligal. They have even helped people in Ivanhoe, 300km away, and Gunbar, both of which are outside the shire but whose residents provide donations. The charity is funded entirely by local donations, local fundraising events, and corporate support such as greenslips.com.au.
All money raised locally stays local to help local cancer patients across the district. “We support approximately 45 local cancer patients each year, all thanks to our very generous community,” adds Marg.
However, because of the pandemic, fundraising in the shire has taken a hit, says Marg. “One of our main fundraisers is catering at wakes, funerals and events – but since March last year, we’ve only done two funerals, whereas we used to do around 12 to 15”.
In addition to more donations, Can Assist Hay also needs more volunteers. “We need to encourage some younger people to come on board. Just put your hand up! You might only be called upon once a year, but the support is still much needed and appreciated,” says Marg.
Sandra Stevens, Community Liaison Officer, explains: “Can Assist is here to help anyone that has cancer. People do it tough so paying for their green slip will help enormously. It’s lovely to be offering another form of support.”
Stephen Treacey, founder and owner of greenslips.com.au, a comparative CTP insurance site, says: “Paying for something like a green slip is a huge weight off people’s shoulders at a time when they have a lot of financial and personal stress. In our work with Can Assist, we have learnt how vital it is to have a car in rural and regional NSW – particularly for those who need to get to and from treatment. We certainly recognise the benefits of keeping local cancer patients’ cars on the road when they need them most.”
For information about donating to or volunteering with Can Assist Hay, contact 0487 795 330. For more information on how to support Can Assist, visit www.canassist.org.au.
More about greenslips.com.au and Can Assist.
Can Assist aims to ensure that all people, regardless of where they live in NSW, have access to cancer treatment and care. It provides accommodation, financial assistance and practical support to people from rural and regional areas. This ensures country people are given the same opportunities and treatment choices as those who live in city centres.
For further information:
Lisa Llewellyn
0419 401 362 | lisa@llewcom.com.au
