People battling cancer in Dorset will have access to a new service thanks to a huge funding boost. 

Macmillan Cancer Support has teamed up with Dorset Cancer Partnership to donate £340,000 towards evolving a new Dorset Macmillan Cancer Information Service. 

The service, for those living with and beyond cancer diagnosis in the county, will develop improved access to support and information, an online presence and a mobile information service. 

The service will give cancer patients, their families and carers, access to information and support judged on their different circumstances and levels of need.

The funding is worth more than £340,000 over a two-year period. It covers the recruitment of three dedicated staff as well as the expansion of a mobile service provided by Wessex Cancer Trust and the development of skilled volunteers through two local voluntary organisations, Dorset Advocacy and Help and Care.

Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, who will manage the project, aim to start recruitment for the new specialist roles in September 2017, including a project manager and two project officers, with all roles filled by January 2018.

Debbie Fleming, chairman of Dorset Cancer Partnership said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from Macmillan, which will enable us to enhance access to vital information and services for people living with and beyond cancer in Dorset.

"The service will focus on improving access to cancer information across the whole of Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole, whether that be from a GP surgery, hospital, community facility or online.”

Chris Scally, Macmillan partnership manager for the Wessex region said: “By working with hospitals, primary care, voluntary sector groups and patient support groups this service will help provide the right care, support and information for people in Dorset. 

Macmillan relies upon donations from members of the public, and the charity is appealing for support in Dorset to continue funding its services.

To donate or volunteer, call call 0300 1000 200. For support and information call Macmillan Cancer Support on 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk.