ALMOST 3,500 people received support from Macmillan’s mobile cancer information and support service last year.

Offering emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer, the service is manned by a team of cancer specialists who park up in town centres and rural locations across the UK.

They provide free information and have a private area for sensitive conversations.

Cara Connolly, from the north team, said they helped a total of 3,489 people in Cumbria last year.

“We have seen a significant increase in enquiries, visited lots of new communities and reached thousands of people on our big green bus called Beryl.

“The mobile service is a free, confidential drop-in service where visitors can step onto the unit and ask any question they have about cancer whether it relates to themselves or someone they care about.”

She added: “The variety of the places we visit enables us to reach people that might not be able to access Macmillan otherwise and the queries we get cover a whole range of topics. Visitors want to know about signs and symptoms, financial advice, side-effects, local services, emotional support, end-of-life care and bereavement.

“People tell us, having someone to talk with about cancer in their community can made a real difference. That’s why, this year, we’re determined to provide even more people in the North with cancer information and support.”

To find out when the service is next in the area, visit: http://www.macmillan.org.uk/aboutus/contactus/mobileinformationcentrelocations.aspx