Hi,

so my close friend (under 25) has advanced cancer and isn’t able to make any money. There are no family members or friends that could give some support. And since I am the only, let's say mental "caregiver" but am living abroad I need some advice or knowledge from people living in the UK.

My friend deals with severe social anxiety, so just the thought of talking with strangers on the phone puts a LOT of stress on him.

I know that my friend currently is getting benefits from somewhere but I don’t know from which organization - my friend’s shy to tell me. It took long to convince him to take that step and apply for benefits.

He was approved but I was surprised to hear that his benefits are barely enough to cover all the living expenses and heating. It makes me really sad to hear that my friend has gotten another cold because he needs to safe money. So he doesn’t turn on the heating or cannot even afford a jacket. He keeps on selling his properties just to buy basic things that eventually broke or to treat himself and keep on playing his favorite online game. 

In the end I cannot make the decision, but I feel that maybe I could make things more easy for him if I could provide him with more information. And maybe he’ll gain more of that mindset like “oh maybe I should try it after all”. Because now he feels it’s pointless to even ask for more and it should be spent on people that need it more than him. Even though my friend barely has got any clothing, no savings etc.

I have heard of Macmillan Cancer support that give benefits? Do you know any more organizations? Maybe also where no phone calls are necessarily required? 

I am thankful for any inputs.