Help, advice, information and support to people affected by asbestos-related diseases.
We offer home visits for people throughout the entire Yorkshire and Humberside region and we can also provide assistance by telephone. You can also come to see us at either of our offices based in Rotherham or Leeds but, please ring us first to arrange a time to come in, as we may be out of the office on home visits when you call in.
We arrange different support events throughout the year and also have monthly meetings, which take place throughout the region that everyone is most welcome to attend. For further details of our support events and meetings click here.
We also campaign about issues affecting asbestos victims and the continuing hazards of asbestos, together with other asbestos victims support groups in the AVSGF-UK. For details of current issues and campaigns please see www.asbestosforum.org.uk
Home visits
Our team are available to visit individual sufferers in the comfort of their own home or, if preferred, can be contacted by telephone, to assist with paperwork and provide ongoing support and guidance.
Coffee Mornings
We hold monthly coffee mornings for clients, and their carers, to meet others undergoing the same experience.
Support Group Meetings
We are looking to develop regular Support Group Meetings across the region. We currently attend support group meetings held in Leeds (MESSY) where experienced staff, together with special guest speakers and other professionals will be available to provide information, advice or a listening ear in a safe and private environment. These meetings are specifically focussed for people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. For more information see, www.messy.org.uk
There is a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) available to answer any questions about your treatment plan or symptoms you are experiencing.
Due to current restrictions, and to keep everyone safe, all meetings in person have been suspended until further notice – however, virtual support group meetings are taking place. Please contact the office if you need more information.
Benefits advice
If you have been diagnosed with an Asbestos Related Condition, you may be entitled to receive some of the following government benefits. Please contact us for further advice and help to apply.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)
This can be claimed if exposure to asbestos occurred through employed work. We are highly experienced in this area and can assist you with the application.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance
PIP is awarded with two components – mobility and living. PIP and Attendance Allowance are essentially the same benefit. PIP can be claimed if you are aged under 65 and require assistance with your personal care. If you are aged over 65 and need help with personal care, the benefit is called Attendance Allowance and that can be claimed instead.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
ESA replaces Incapacity Benefit & Income Support, previously paid on incapacity grounds and is also available if you are in employment.
Constant Attendance Allowance (CAA)
You can claim Constant Attendance Allowance if you get Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and you need daily care and attention because of a disability. How much you get depends on the extent of your disability and the amount of care you need.
Workers’ Compensation Act 1979 / 2008 Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment
You and your family may also be entitled to a ‘lump sum’ benefit from the Government.
Carer’s Allowance
If someone helps look after you then, once PIP or Attendance Allowance is received, your carer may also be entitled to Carer’s Allowance.
Blue Badge
You may be entitled to a Blue Badge. We can apply for this for you.
Legal support
Many clients and their families are unaware that they have a right to make a claim for compensation against their employer.
As far back as the late 19th century, UK industry knew of the dangers of asbestos. However, sadly, thousands of people from all walks of life have been exposed to potentially deadly asbestos fibres over the years.
Legislation exists to help people suffering from asbestos-related diseases, and their families, to seek compensation for wrongful exposure and reduced quality of life.
Most compensation claims are made against former employers although it does not necessarily matter if the employer is no longer trading. The claim can be brought against the employer’s insurance company. This can happen many decades after the asbestos exposure.
Although less common, in certain circumstances it is still possible to bring a claim if you were exposed to asbestos environmentally, or through a third party (e.g. washing a family member’s work clothes).
We recommend you bring a compensation claim as soon as possible as there are time limits for claims of this nature. Some people worry about having to attend Court, but very few claims progress to a full hearing.
The choice of solicitor to assist with your claim is entirely up to you; however it’s a good idea to speak to us first as we can put you in touch with solicitors who specialise in asbestos-related disease claims.
We are selective about the solicitors we will refer you to. We ensure they only represent people who have been diagnosed with an Asbestos Related Disease, and never defendants in disease claims. The panel of specialist asbestos disease solicitors we recommend offer:
- Home visits throughout the UK
- No cost to patients or their family
- No upfront fees
- 100% of the compensation to be received by the patient and their family, with no deductions for legal fees
- Years of experience providing specialist asbestos disease legal expertise