GET HELP

We support individuals and families affected by a cancer diagnosis who are experiencing financial or emotional hardship. Support is provided based on individual circumstances and available funding.

We provide emergency financial assistance for essential needs such as household repairs, replacement appliances, heating issues, and other urgent costs that arise during cancer treatment or recovery.

Yes. If an unexpected household emergency is causing hardship, we may be able to help with repair or replacement costs, depending on your circumstances and available funds.

No. Support provided by GG On Two Wheels is a grant and does not need to be repaid.

Our funding is primarily intended for emergency or crisis situations. We assess each request individually and will always try to signpost additional support services where appropriate.

We may fund counselling, complementary therapies, and wellbeing services designed to help reduce anxiety, stress, and emotional strain for people affected by cancer.

We understand that cancer affects the whole family. Depending on individual circumstances and available funding, support may be available for immediate family members and carers.

Applications are generally received through our trusted local partner organisations. If you are unsure how to access support, please contact us and we will guide you through the process.

We currently work with local organisations and community groups who submit referrals on behalf of individuals and families. If you are a professional or support organisation, please get in touch to discuss referrals.

Our support is delivered through local partnerships. Please contact us to find out whether support is available in your area.

We understand that emergencies cannot wait. We aim to respond as quickly as possible, particularly where essential household needs or wellbeing concerns are involved.

We may ask for details about your circumstances, financial situation, and the support being requested. Any information shared with us is treated confidentially and sensitively.

This depends entirely on your circumstances - income, savings, who's in your household, and your diagnosis.

Try Turn2us

A cancer diagnosis can open up entitlements many people don't realise exist, from Personal Independence Payment to Council Tax Reduction Speak to your local council office first and foremost.

Possibly, depending on your circumstances and your local council. You can also get the ball rolling here: Social Security

Beyond what GG on Two Wheels can offer directly, there's support through the Scottish Welfare Fund and other charities. We would initially direct you to www.maggies.org/our-centres/maggies-forth-valley/

You can reach out firstly to www.falkirk.gov.uk/benefits/scottish-welfare-fund but if you're in a crisis, we may be able to help.

There are a range of local foodbanks and services like olioapp.com/en/ which operate in lots of areas.

A Scottish Government fund, administered by your local council, for people facing a financial crisis or needing help to live independently  www.falkirk.gov.uk/benefits/scottish-welfare-fund

You must first speak to your local authority and make them aware of your situation. Please do not delay. If you are not sure which local authority you live in use this tool: www.mygov.scot/contact-local-council

You must think about prioritising your housing, your liberty and essential services. You can speak to www.cas.org.uk who can help you with this if it understandably, overwhelming. Try also reaching out to a family member or a neighbour for support.

You will be provided with some advice from medical practitioners on how to cope through treatment. Sometimes, that is a lot for the person dealing with the diagnoses, so being there as a support, listening and asking questions can help.

Understanding what the person dealing with the cancer wants as support is important.

Sometimes they may want to talk, sometimes they may not. It is incredibly difficult for everyone affected.

There is help. Reach out!

Yes, you can reach out to www.maggies.org who we work in partnership with.

Carer Support Payment is a Scottish benefit for people who provide a significant amount of regular care for someone else. Check the eligibility section here - www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment

The fear never completely disappears. Anyone who has survived cancer or is living with cancer will understand that. It sits quietly in the back of your mind. Every new ache, pain or symptom can trigger the same thoughts:

"Is it back?"” I remember my stomach dropping.” “I felt physically sick. My anxiety started to grow.” “Unfortunately, the more I read, the more frightened I became. By the end of the first week, I was convinced I was going to die.”

These are all real comments from real people, and the reality is how living with cancer or a cancer diagnoses affects you and the people around you, is entirely unique to the person and the situation you are living in.

But there is help.

You can be there for the person, if that’s what they want.

They may not want company all the time and they may want some time alone to try and process their diagnoses and that is ok. You can offer practical help like cleaning, cooking, helping them to get out and about to and from appointments, of which there are many.

There is no right or wrong way to support but it is important you listen to the person who is dealing with the diagnoses and take their steer.

www.maggies.org have a fantastic drop-in centre based just off the grounds of Forth Valley Hospital. You can drop in there at any time.

If you’re feeling alone, and you need to speak to someone urgently you can speak to The Samaritans at anytime on www.samaritans.org/scotland/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/talk-us-phone/.

There are other support services too like andysmanclub.co.uk .

GG on Two Wheels was founded out of exactly this experience, and we fund counselling and complementary therapy for people grieving a loss to cancer.

There's a Scottish Government Funeral Support Payment for people on a low income. www.mygov.scot/funeral-support-payment

In the first instance, it may be best to speak to your local GP for a referral to social work services if you feel you need support. The NSPCC has some information on their website too. If you feel you still need support, please reach out, if we can help, we will.