A PARTNERSHIP between Dudley Citizens Advice Bureau and Macmillan Cancer Support has accessed £2.2million in benefits and additional income for people with cancer over the last three years.

The service, which was set up in November 2010, has helped more than 1,000 borough residents who have been affected by the disease with issues such as welfare benefits and entitlement, employment, debt and hospital costs.

Caroline Dimbylow, chief executive of Dudley District CAB, said: "The service has been a real success. The majority of people we see are so worried about their finances it is seriously affecting their quality of life, which can have a negative effect on the success of their treatment.

"Money worries are the last thing you need when you're facing the toughest fight of your life. We're here to support them every step of the way by giving them advice and, where appropriate, helping them obtain benefits they are entitled to."

Tudor Humphreys, Macmillan's development manager, added: "We congratulate the Dudley Macmillan Citizens Advice Service for reaching such a milestone. They really are making an enormous impact on the lives of local people living with cancer.”

Anyone who would like to access the service to arrange a face-to-face appointment or for advice over the phone, should call 01384 817721.