A local welfare benefits service is receiving over £146,000 of funding from Macmillan Cancer Support.

The investment will help Borders Macmillan Welfare Benefits Partnership to provide much needed financial support to help people with cancer cope with the huge financial pressures many face as a result of the illness.

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The charity has also been working hard to increase availability of grants for people with cancer. Last year, Macmillan Cancer Support provided over £27,500 in grants to 72 cancer patients in the Scottish Borders to help pay for essentials, ranging from gas and electric bills to transport for hospital appointments.

Councillor Robin Tatler, Executive Member for Communities and Equalities at Scottish Borders Council said: “People living with cancer are among those who have been particularly affected by the cost-of-living crisis and we know it is impacting on all aspects of their life.

“No-one who has a life-threatening illness should have to worry about how to pay their bills or cover the costs of getting to hospital, but cancer can come with lots of unexpected costs and often a loss in income.

“Particularly for those who have never tried to navigate the benefits system before, it can feel like a maze, especially when someone is going through treatment or dealing with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.

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“We want everyone with cancer to know there is help available to make sure they get access to the support they’re entitled to. I’d urge anyone with cancer to get in touch and see how we can help.”

Macmillan is investing over £3 million to support welfare benefits services across Scotland as part of its pledge to help people living with cancer dealing with the deepening cost of living crisis.

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It is thanks to generous donations that Macmillan receives from people across the country that is allowing them to provide this much needed support and be there for people with cancer every step of the way.

We’ll do whatever it takes. For information, support or just someone to talk to, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk.