CITIZENS Advice Essex, the consortium of local Citizens Advice offices serving the whole of Essex, Southend, and Thurrock, has entered into a new, long-term partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to establish the Essex Citizens Advice Macmillan Welfare Benefits Service.  

Harlow will benefit by having 1.5 posts delivering specialist casework support for people living with cancer to help them better address the costs arising from their diagnoses, such as giving up work, the need for care or increased energy costs. 

They will help by: 

• Helping their clients understand and apply for welfare benefits 
• Identifying and accessing other forms of financial relief, e.g., Blue Badges and travel discounts 
• Challenging unfair or incorrect benefits decisions 
• Applying for one-off Macmillan Grants to cover the cost of essentials 
• Providing an onward referral to complementary Macmillan services or other Citizens Advice Harlow specialist services, such as energy advice or debt advice. 

The service is expected to start by the Autumn once recruitment has been concluded. 

A spokesperson said: “We know there has never been a greater need for the help we can offer; the rising cost of living and, in particular, energy prices are a real worry for so many of our clients, particularly those dealing with cancer. We want to be right there for them, determinedly ensuring they can access all the benefits and financial support to which they are entitled. 

“This is another development in the progression of the Citizens Advice service here in Harlow as well as across the county.  

“If you would like to learn more about this new service and how it complements our existing specialisms, please do not hesitate to contact them here