Maggie’s extends its partnership with Wales & West Utilities to help more people with cancer
Maggie’s has extended its successful partnership with Wales & West Utilities until March 2026, ensuring that even more people living with cancer can access vital help and support to manage their money worries during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives.
The partnership, which began in 2022, provides funding through Wales & West Utilities’ Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) to support dedicated benefits advisors based full-time at Maggie’s centres in Cardiff, Swansea and Cheltenham. The advisors help people with cancer, and their families, to manage the financial impact of a diagnosis - from understanding entitlements and accessing benefits to helping keep on top of everyday living costs.
The extension of the partnership will also allow Maggie’s to recruit an additional benefits advisor, who will be based at the new Maggie’s North Wales centre at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan. This will ensure even more people across Wales and the South West of England can access the specialist financial advice and support they need.
Sam Holliday, Centre Head at Maggie’s Cardiff, said:
“A cancer diagnosis can turn life upside down, and while the focus is always on treatment, the financial impact can add significant extra pressure. Our benefits advisors all play a vital role in easing that strain and helping people feel more in control.
“We are delighted that our partnership with Wales & West Utilities has been extended as this will allow us to continue offering this vital service and expand our support so we can reach even more people.”
Sophie Shorney, VCMA Manager at Wales & West Utilities, said:
“We’re proud to continue our support for Maggie’s and the invaluable work they do.
“Extending this partnership and helping to fund an additional benefits advisor means that more people living with cancer will have access to the right advice and support when they need it most.
“This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being of people in vulnerable situations across the communities we serve.”
Between April 2021 and March 2026, Wales & West Utilities has £25.9 million to invest in projects that support consumers in vulnerable situations and raise awareness of carbon monoxide safety. Seventy-five per cent of this funding will be used to support projects across Wales and the Southwest of England, while 25 per cent will be used to support collaborative initiatives with one or more of the other gas networks, reaching a UK wide footprint, ensuring help reaches those who need it most.
Wales & West Utilities is the gas emergency and pipeline service, delivering energy to over 7.5 million people across Wales and the south west of England. We don’t sell gas; we transport it through an extensive underground network of more than 35,000 kilometres of pipes.