TASMANIAN cancer patients and their carers can now access free small business and workplace advice. The Cancer Council of Tasmania launched the new pro bono services on Monday, which will complement existing legal and financial assistance programs. National program manager Sarah Penman said small business operators were often among the hardest hit by a cancer diagnosis. ‘‘They’re often under-insured, may not be superannuating themselves and mightn’t have the protection of paid sick and annual leave,’’ she said. Ms Penman said the Cancer Council wanted to strip away barriers to reaching out for help. ‘‘If you’ve got a pressing legal, financial or workplace issue, it may plague your mind rather than being able to focus on your health and wellbeing if you’re unwell or undergoing treatment,’’ she said. ‘‘We’re taking away the cost of seeking that professional treatment, allowing people to free up their minds to fully focus on their health.’’ Eligible clients will be able to seek advice on areas such as staffing and running businesses in their absence, or potentially preparing a business for sale. Through the initiatives, Tasmanian professionals will volunteer their time and skills to assist those affected by cancer. More than 150 Tasmanians have so far tapped into the legal and financial planning services. Ms Penman expects a strong uptake for the extended professional services offerings. The two new programs are being introduced in a staggered rollout throughout the country. Lawyers, financial advisers, accountants and human resources professionals interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact the Cancer Council.
National pro bono program manager Sarah Penman and Cancer Council Tasmania support services director Raylene Cox.
TASMANIAN cancer patients and their carers can now access free small business and workplace advice.
The Cancer Council of Tasmania launched the new pro bono services on Monday, which will complement existing legal and financial assistance programs.
National program manager Sarah Penman said small business operators were often among the hardest hit by a cancer diagnosis.
‘‘They’re often under-insured, may not be superannuating themselves and mightn’t have the protection of paid sick and annual leave,’’ she said.
Ms Penman said the Cancer Council wanted to strip away barriers to reaching out for help.
‘‘If you’ve got a pressing legal, financial or workplace issue, it may plague your mind rather than being able to focus on your health and wellbeing if you’re unwell or undergoing treatment,’’ she said. ‘‘We’re taking away the cost of seeking that professional treatment, allowing people to free up their minds to fully focus on their health.’’
Eligible clients will be able to seek advice on areas such as staffing and running businesses in their absence, or potentially preparing a business for sale.
Through the initiatives, Tasmanian professionals will volunteer their time and skills to assist those affected by cancer.
More than 150 Tasmanians have so far tapped into the legal and financial planning services.
Ms Penman expects a strong uptake for the extended professional services offerings.
The two new programs are being introduced in a staggered rollout throughout the country.
Lawyers, financial advisers, accountants and human resources professionals interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact the Cancer Council.
