Standing with renters in London

Zack Polanski, Green Party London-wide Assembly candidate, writes:

As a renter I have moved house 12 times in 10 years.

Like so many Londoners, I’ve lived in properties with damp and mould, where the tenancy is insecure and there’s a constant threat of unexpected rent increases.

Some of my landlords have been excellent - and some not so much.

I’m inspired by Sian Berry’s commitment to stand with renters. Sian is a renter herself, and she is running to be the first ever Green mayor of London.

She’ll be a campaigning mayor who will work with other mayors to win the powers we need to bring down rents in London, and strengthen renters’ rights.

Sian has already been standing up for renters on the London Assembly.

She got the current mayor to acknowledge the need for rent controls.

Meanwhile, more and more renters have fallen into debt.

As mayor, Sian Berry will stand with millions of her fellow renters, and that’s the mayor London needs right now.

Charity looking to help more people

Ropinder Gill, chief executive at Lymphoma Action, writes:

Lymphoma Action are asking anyone in the area who has been affected by lymphoma to take part in a short, anonymous online survey to help them make sure that everyone affected by this type of blood cancer can receive the information and support that they need.

The survey can be found here: apollohi.limesurvey.net/435845?lang=en

Our goal is to support anyone affected by lymphoma, but we are aware that there are still people we are not reaching.

We want to understand the barriers that may be holding people back from using our services or holding us back from engaging with them.

By completing our survey, you can help us increase our impact by making our information and support accessible and relevant to everyone.

For further information on Lymphoma Action’s survey, please visit: lymphoma-action.org.uk/dont-let-your-voice-go-unheard

Support is a phone call away

Donal Gallagher, Macmillan Cancer Support, strategic partnership manager, London, writes:

Not only are many families and individuals struggling with the financial impact of the pandemic, but many are also facing the added worry and anxiety of dealing with a cancer diagnosis at the same time.

Macmillan professionals talk to people every day with money worries because they cannot work due to their cancer treatment, and now the isolation and financial pressure of the lockdown is making things harder for many.

This is why I’m writing to let your readers impacted by cancer know help is available from Macmillan Cancer Support if they are finding it hard to make ends meet, through our hardship grants.

Macmillan grants are one-off, means-tested payments for people living with cancer in London facing financial difficulties.

The grants are designed to help if you are on a low income and struggling to pay basics, such as your heating bill, travel to hospital for treatment, clothing and bedding.

In 2020, Macmillan was able to give just over £1million in grants in London, meaning 3,300 people with cancer were able to pay for essentials such as heating their homes whilst shielding during the pandemic last year. All thanks to donations.

I’d urge anyone reading who is living with cancer and struggling financially to call Macmillan on 0808 808 00 00 seven days a week and talk to the Macmillan welfare rights team or visit macmillan.org.uk/grants

Macmillan are only a phone call away and are waiting to help you, whatever it takes.