Grant boost for asbestos poisoning victim support group

A ROTHERHAM-based lifeline for asbestos poisoning victims and their families has landed a huge funding boost.

The Yorkshire and Humberside Asbestos Victims Support Group has been awarded £83,655 from this National Lottery Community Fund.

The group — previously known as Sheffield & Rotherham Asbestos Group (SARAG) — said they would spend the cash on recruiting a bereavement support worker to support 600 people whose loved ones have died from asbestos-related diseases over a three-year period.

A lottery spokesperson said: “This new National Lottery funding will help those bereaved by an asbestos-related disease feel better able to cope with day-to-day life and improve mental and financial well-being.

“This will take place through one-to-one bereavement support which is compassionate and tailored to an individual’s specific needs.”

More than 5,000 people die each year from asbestos related diseases, with a range of between ten and 60 years between exposure diagnosis.

Asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK.

Laura Hogarth, Activity and Support Service Manager at the Asbestos Victims Support Group said the grant would make a big difference to people’s lives.