A CANCER support bus is coming to the town to give people the chance to ask questions and get help and information about the services available to patients and their families.

The Macmillan Cancer Support bus will be in Darlington on Monday.

The mobile service is aimed at helping people find out more about what help is on hand.

Hazel Greaves, a Macmillan Information and Support Specialist on the unit, said: "It’s really important that people living with cancer are able to access the financial advice and support they are entitled to, so they can focus on what’s most important: their health.

"We can help signpost people to Macmillan benefits advisers who can provide free, confidential advice.

"Whether you want to know what symptoms to look out for, need advice about managing the side effects of your treatment, or want to find local support for carers, come along and see us. We’d be happy to help.”

She added: "People can come and ask us questions about any aspect of cancer, whether they are going through treatment of is someone in their family is.

"Often people haven't been to the doctor yet or are waiting for an appointment but they have concerns and questions."

The team encourages anyone with worries relating to cancer to stop by, whether you’re living with cancer, or care for someone who is

The bus is staffed by health care staff from a range of different specialities, including nurses, radiotherapists, social workers and dieticians as well as people who can help with financial advice and signposting services.

Ms Greaves added: "The financial side of things is huge really.

"It's quite often people will come in asking one question and will also get information about some of the benefits available.

"It's something people don't think about but there's a lot of support out there. A lot of people don't know about it and we can help with that."

Macmillan research shows that 83 per cent of people are, on average, £570 a month worse off because of a cancer diagnosis.

This is often due to being unable to work and having increased costs such as travel to hospital or increased fuel bills.

Advice is available on a range of topics, including benefits and schemes which can help cancer patients save money.

The bus will be in High Row, in Darlington, between 9am and 3pm.

It will be elsewhere in the region over the next couple of weeks.

For further information about Macmillan’s mobile information service, and planned visits, go to www.macmillan.org.uk/mobileinfo

If you are unable to visit the unit but have questions about cancer, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also find out about Macmillan services near you by visiting the website.