The AMP Cancer Council Pro Bono Program has reported a 13.3% increase in financial guidance provided to individuals and their families last year.

In total, 923 families affected by cancer received financial advice.

The program was established in 2010, originally supported by AMP Financial Planning and Hillross. It expanded to include Charter practices in 2012.

The scheme was initially for families in NSW, but is now offered nationally. Since its inception, assistance has been provided to nearly 4000 families.

Hillross and AMP Financial Planning MD Michael Guggenheimer says the program has added “value to the significant work already being done by the Cancer Council to assist people affected by cancer”.

The Cancer Council’s Legal and Financial Support Services Manager Sarah Penman says the “time, skills and expertise offered by AMP advisers to people affected by cancer… is truly life-changing”.

AMP is encouraging more advisers to participate in the program, with 94 practices joining last year.