A NEW service has launched in Chelmsford to support people in financial hardship due to cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support and Colchester Borough Council are working together to ensure people diagnosed with cancer, their families, and carers across Essex can access financial support.

Cancer patients visiting Broomfield Hospital can now access advice on issues such as debt, housing, and employment.

Research from Macmillan shows that four in five people, 83 per cent, with cancer are on average £570 a month worse off because of their diagnosis.

Sheona Siewertsen, Macmillan partnership manager for Essex said: “During cancer, additional costs such as travel to hospital appointments, increased heating bills and parking charges all mount up.”

“People face a significant loss of household income because they may be too unwell to work.

"Family members may also have to take unpaid leave to care for them. Our Essex Macmillan Welfare Benefits Service ensures patients can access welfare.”

Samantha Preston, Macmillan welfare benefits service Manager at Colchester Borough Council, said: “People are surprised at how much their finances can be affected after being diagnosed with cancer.

“It’s often the last thing you might think about, but having cancer can be expensive. We need to reach people early so they receive specialist financial support at diagnosis, during treatment, palliative care and end of life or rehabilitation.

“We’re here to offer free, confidential advice to patients, carers and family members about benefits and charitable grants that may be available.

“If people need further financial advice - on things like debt, employment, budgeting or energy bills – the team can refer them to local services.”

People can drop in to see the Macmillan Welfare Benefits Advisors at the Macmillan cancer information pod, Broomfield Hospital on Thursdays, from 10am until 4pm.

To contact the Essex Macmillan Welfare Benefits Service call 0800 019 6003/6065.