Bank launches new cancer support service

Virgin Money has launched a new pilot scheme offering a support service for people living with, or affected by cancer.

The banking giant has joined forces with Macmillan Cancer Support to launch Virgin Money Macmillan Guides.

The Macmillan Guides will be Virgin Money staff who are trained by Macmillan to support those affected by cancer.

This could include offering emotional support, helping people to understand the financial support available at Virgin Money, or offering guidance about the support available from Macmillan, or signposting people to local community groups.

Macmillan estimates that more than 100,000 people with cancer in the UK are struggling to pay for basic essentials such as food, bills, rent or their mortgage as a result of the impact of Covid-19.

Up to 50 members of staff from across the Virgin Money store and contact centre network will take part in an initial six-month pilot.

Peter Dockar, head of customer value management at Virgin Money, said:

“Sadly, many of us will have been touched by a cancer diagnosis, either personally or through a friend or family member and know it can have a devastating impact, not only physically but emotionally and financially.”

Lynda Thomas, chief executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:“For many people receiving the lifechanging news that you have cancer is nothing short of a financial wrecking-ball.

“That’s why we’re thrilled to launch the Macmillan Guide initiative with Virgin Money, a service that will provide vital emotional and financial support to people affected by cancer when they need it most.”

In February, insurance giant Aviva announced a new partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, to work on initiatives throughout the year to help support Aviva’s protection customers with cancer diagnoses.

Aviva said it would work with Macmillan to train more than 200 frontline Aviva protection claims employees to support customers living with cancer, or who live with someone who has cancer.