DORSET’S Citizens Advice Bureau held a celebration event to mark their first year as a joint project with Macmillan Cancer Trust.

The service raised more than £1million for clients in its first year alone, which works out at £10.15 for every £1 invested in the project.

This fund helps go towards benefits for people with cancer in Dorset such as help with housing, debt and employment, financial issues and transport to hospitals.

The event took place at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Acland Road, Dorchester.

Project manager Beth Fox, said: “It was a really good event. We’ve even had emails thanking us. Other cancer sufferers came along to give emotional support too.

“Our main aim is to ensure people get what they’re entitled to when they find out they have cancer.

“Especially with employment, things can become tricky. Cancer victims don’t want to leave their jobs and hope that they’ll feel well enough to come back, but their employers often let them go.

“With our project, people have been able to go back to work on a temporary basis and then build up from there – and this is all from the advice we’ve given and through speaking to their employers.”

The service provides independent, confidential, free and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities.

The project covers the Dorset County Council area excluding Bournemouth and Poole. Its four specialist advisors are spread across Dorset in Dorchester, Sherborne, Weymouth and Wimborne.

Mrs Fox added: “We are also now working with the Wessex Cancer Trust where cancer sufferers can apply for caravan holidays for themselves with their families and children, which we hope will really help.

“Not many people know that one in three people are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and 64 per cent are over 65. Most of us have been touched by someone in the family who has had cancer.”

To find out more call 08454 900042 or visit dorchester cab.org.uk