1 Patient Support Groups As well as support available from the Asbestos Support Group (ASG) there are an increasing number of Mesothelioma specific support groups. Some are run by the ASGs and held within their premises or nearby venue. Some hospitals and hospices have set up Mesothelioma support groups that are run by healthcare professionals. These may be held at the hospital or an outside venue. Sessions may include relevant invited speakers and provide a friendly welcome to all those affected by Mesothelioma. Brief details for all relevant support groups are listed below. For more detailed information please contact the support group: 1. On the telephone number provided 2. By email (where applicable) 3. See support group website (where applicable) Please note: Mesothelioma UK Charitable Trust undertakes no responsibility for any of the information on the groups listed. All these groups and their details are subject to change, therefore please check information before attending.
2 Anglia Norwich, Bury St Edmunds & Brentwood Anglia Asbestos Disease Support Group phoebe.osborne@ashtonslegal.co.uk Telephone: 01223 431159 Frequency: www.angliaasbestos.co.uk for details of meetings A support group for individuals with asbestos related diseases and their carers. Provides advice, support, a chance to meet others and share experiences Meets monthly in each of the 3 locations East Anglia Cambridge Papworth Mesothelioma Social Group, Cambridge kateslaven@nhs.net Telephone: Kate Slaven, Mesothelioma Nurse Specialist on 01480 830541, bleep 193 or extension 4889 The social group runs specifically for mesothelioma patients and their carers. Hemingford Abbotts Village Hall, PE28 9AH Frequency: The group meets monthly on Friday See Mesothelioma UK website for dates 13:00-15:00 hrs - Main meeting 15:00-16:00 hrs - Carers meeting
3 Hertfordshire East & North Hertfordshire East & North Hertfordshire Lung Cancer/Mesothelioma Support Group Telephone: Patricia Swann 07771872947 or Elaine Allen 07990566190 Provides support to patients and carers who have been affected by lung cancer and mesothelioma. Includes refreshments and guest speakers. Frequency: Meets every 6 weeks Local venue please call for details West Hertfordshire West Hertfordshire Trust Support Group Telephone: 01923 217010 Welcomes lung cancer / mesothelioma patients. Guest speakers, complementary therapies, advice, information & support. Refreshments Frequency: First Tuesday of the month 1400-1600 Stanborough Centre, 609 St Albans Road, Garston, Herts. WD25 9LJ.
4 Kent Canterbury London asbestos support & awareness group (LASAG) Telephone: Advisors on 07880 201751 or 07585 337230 Facilitates two support groups together with local Lung Cancer Nurse Specialists, one in East London/Essex and one in East Kent. Offers a warm and welcoming environment for Mesothelioma sufferers and their carers, to meet others undergoing the same experience. Experienced advisors and health care professionals are available for advice and support Frequency: A.R.C.A. Hall (Ashford Road Community Association), 151 Ashford Road, Thanington Without, Canterbury, CT1 3XR Second Tuesday of each month 2pm 4pm
5 London East London East London Mesothelioma Support (ELMS) Telephone: Freephone Helpline - 0800 8766773 Area: Frequency: East London (Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney) Daily between 17.00-22.00hrs Support, guidance and information for patients, carers, relatives and friends. St Thomas Hospital, London Telephone: Frequency: Guys and St Thomas s (GSTT) Mesothelioma Support Group Open to all patients and carers across London and Kent. You do not have to be a patient at these hospitals to attend. 0207 188 4758 Rachel Thomas Mesothelioma Nurse Specialist Support, guidance and information for patients, carers, relatives and friends. Refreshments provided First Tuesday of the month 11.15-13.00 Dimbleby Offices, Ground Floor Guys Cancer Centre.. East London / Essex London asbestos support & awareness group (LASAG) Telephone: Advisor on 07917 194454 Facilitates two support groups together with local Lung Cancer Nurse Specialists, one in East London/Essex and one in East Kent. Offers a warm and welcoming environment for Mesothelioma sufferers and their carers, to meet others undergoing the same experience. Experienced advisors and health care professionals are available for advice and support Moby Dick Toby Carvery, Whalebone Lane North, Dagenham, RM6 6QU Frequency: Last Thursday of each month 11.00 13.00
6 Midlands East Midlands Leicester MELU (Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer) Luncheon Club Telephone: Jill Lemon on 0116 296 5232 or Sharon Savory on 0116 250 2595 Luncheon Club in a social setting for patients and their carers. Open to Leicester Hospitals patients with a diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer. Calendar includes day trips, guest speakers on subjects such as treatments, trials and other relevant subjects. West Midlands Birmingham Living well with Mesothelioma - Patients & Carers Support Group Nothing to lose but everything to gain Telephone: 0121 678 8853 Service: Support group for people with mesothelioma and their carers. A chance to meet others and learn more about Mesothelioma Frequency: Monthly on second Monday of each month please use contact number above to check dates and time St Martin, Bullring, Edgbaston Street, Birmingham, B5 5BB For map and directions go to: www.bullring.org/getting-here or call 0121 678 8853
7 South & South East Oxford Oxfordshire Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Support (OMALCS) Telephone: 01865 226119 - Hannah Ball / Veronica Green Opportunity to come and hear speakers on a variety of relevant issues and meet others living with mesothelioma and lung cancer in a relaxed and friendly environment. A specialist nurse also attends. Light refreshments. at Sandford-on-Thames Village Hall, Oxford, OX4 4YN. Frequency: The group holds a patient and carer event every three months 14:00 Southampton and Portsmouth HASAG Asbestos Disease Support Telephone: 023 80010016 or 023 80010015 Lynne Squibb lynne@hasag.co.uk Lisa Booth lisa@hasag.co.uk Ali Squibb Alison@hasag.co.uk www.hasag.co.uk A friendly environment for sufferers of all asbestos related diseases and their families including the bereaved. Frequency: Support in Woking First Thursday of each month 10.30 Support in Southampton - second Thursday of each month 10:30 Support in Portsmouth - fourth Thursday of each month 10:30. Woking Goldwater Lodge Community Hall, Wishbourne Way, Woking GU21 3RT Southampton St Marks Church, Archers Road, Southampton, S015 2LU Portsmouth - The Inn Lodge, Burrfields Road, Portsmouth, PO3 5HH.
8 East Sussex HASAG Asbestos Disease Support Telephone: 023 80010016 or 023 80010015 Lynne Squibb lynne@hasag.co.uk Lisa Booth lisa@hasag.co.uk Ali Squibb Alison@hasag.co.uk www.hasag.co.uk A friendly environment for sufferers of all asbestos related diseases and their families including the bereaved. Frequency: Coffee morning Second Tuesday of each month 11.00 Commencing 13 th February 2018 Uckfield Uckfield Town Council, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1AE
9 North East Both groups below are social and informal for all whose lives have been affected by mesothelioma while providing information and support to sufferers and their families. North Tyneside North Tyneside Support Group Telephone: 0191 257 5448 Linda Scott Frequency: Last Friday of each month (excluding August and December) 11.00-13.00 Walkerville Community Centre, Pinewood Close, Walkerville, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE6 4SZ South Tyneside South Tyneside Support Group Telephone: 0191 415 1460 Ray Turnbull Frequency: First Thursday of each month 10.30-12.30pm Woodbridge Gardens, Oxclose Road, Washington, NE38 7NZ Darlington & Morpeth Paul Readhead Asbestos Support and Awareness Group (PRASAG) enquiries@prasag.co.uk www.prasag.co.uk Telephone: Samantha 07929391529 Venues: Blackwell Grange, Darlington, DL3 8QH, Held the first Tuesday of each month from 11am - 1pm Morpeth Golf Club, Morpeth, NE61 2BT, Held the second Tuesday of each 11am 1pm Support groups for people with mesothelioma/asbestos related disease and their carers, set up with regional Mesothelioma UK Nurse Specialist An opportunity to share information on issues relating to mesothelioma including symptoms, treatments and practical advice. Sessions are free of charge and refreshments are provided. Home visits also available.
10 North West Cumbria Cumbria Asbestos Related Disease Support (CARDS) Telephone: 01423 206570 - please leave your number and we aim to return your call within 2 days; Or Email to: cardsinfo@gmail.com (we aim to reply within 2 days). provides information and support concerning asbestos-related diseases and asbestos issues at monthly meetings, by email or telephone Frequency: Meetings are held on the 3 rd Monday of each month (December) Barrow and District Disability Association, Margaret Burrow Centre, 71-77 School Street, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1EI. www.cumbria-ards.co.uk for details of asbestos-related diseases, useful references, and meeting dates. East Cheshire East Cheshire NHS Trust Living Well with Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma Support Group Telephone: Contact Macmillan Centre 01625 663128 to check venue as changes on monthly basis Frequency: Third Thursday of the month 4-6pm Greater Manchester The Greater Manchester Mesothelioma Support Group, Manchester Telephone: 0161 636 7555 asbestos.gmavsg@gmail.com Frequency: Meets 4-5 times yearly call or email for dates. Dates of meetings are scheduled at the end of each year for the following year Service: The Royal British Legion Office, Victoria Buildings, 1-7 Princess Street Manchester M2 4DF Welcomes people affected by mesothelioma and includes carers and bereaved families. Arranges group outings and Christmas lunch. The group is actively involved in campaigning and in organising Action Mesothelioma Day in Manchester on the first Friday in July each year.
11 Manchester Living well with Mesothelioma - Patients & Carers Support Group Nothing to lose but everything to gain Telephone: 0161 636 7555 Support group for people with mesothelioma and carers set up by Mesothelioma UK and The Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims Support Group (GMAVSG). A chance to meet others and learn more about Mesothelioma. Some sessions include a chance try complementary therapies. Sessions are free of charge and refreshments are provided Frequency: First Monday of the month from 1.30pm to 3.30pm For dates of future meetings please use contact number above Collier Room, Methodist Central Hall, Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JQ. For a map and directions go to: www.methodistcentralbuildings.org.uk/contactus Merseyside & Cheshire Living well with Mesothelioma - Patients & Carers Support Group Nothing to lose but everything to gain Telephone: 0151 236 1895 Support group for people with mesothelioma and carers set up by Mesothelioma UK, The Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support Group and Cheshire Asbestos Victims support. A chance to meet others and learn more about Mesothelioma. Some sessions include a chance try complementary therapies. Sessions are free of charge and refreshments are provided Frequency: Third Monday of the month from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. For meeting dates please use contact number above Friends Meeting House, School lane, Liverpool, L1 3BT For a map and directions, go to www.liverpoolquakers.org.uk/contact/local-map.
12 South West and Wales Bristol Bristol and Beyond Asbestos Family Support (BBAFS) Telephone: 0117 414 010 Sarah Smith Service: www.bristolasbestossupport.co.uk Support group covering a wide geographical area around the South West and into Wales. Offers friendship, support and information for all affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases, including carers, families and friends. Annual conference at Bristol Zoo, support Action Mesothelioma Day Meets regularly for further details please visit our website or contact Sarah Smith on 0117 414 1010 Swindon A group for widows and partners of asbestos sufferers. The group meets monthly for friendship and mutual support as well as practical help for people who are nursing a member of the family with asbestos disease. Telephone: Pat Lewis on 01793 532995 Frequency: Monthly please contact Pat Lewis for more information Swindon Swindon and Wiltshire Asbestos Support Group (SWASG) Telephone: Jennifer Seavor on 01793 847 707 or 07469 859 315 jennifer.seavor@roydswithyking.com Frequency: Meet on the last Friday of every month 3.00pm 5.00pm Christ Church Community Centre, 31 Cricklade Street, Swindon SN1 3HB
13 Wales (Cymru) Address: Facebook: Twitter: AASC (Asbestos Awareness & Support Cymru) Manteg, Penslade, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, SA65 9P (registered office) Registered charity offering patient support groups across Wales, ongoing support for widows, organising national and local events to bring victims and families together. Face to face support and through telephone helpline, opportunity to share experiences. Outreach talks in local communities. Signposting to services. Friendly, informal, approachable, tailored to patient and carer needs. enquiries@a-a-s-c.org.uk www.a-a-s-c.org.uk Asbestos-Awareness&-Support-Cymru @AASC2 Telephone: 01495 272 479 Opening times: 10.00am 12.00midnight Mon Sun (inclusive) (Excluding Christmas Day) Answer machine checked regularly.
14 Southwest Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall The Southwest Mesothelioma Support Group (covers Devon and Cornwall) Telephone: 01752 432383 Christine Jones, Mesothelioma UK Specialist Nurse Local mesothelioma and other asbestos disease sufferers, carers and bereaved families To share information on local asbestos issues, asbestos awareness Available treatments / clinical trials and how to access them Support, advice and participating in fundraising initiatives Frequency: Plymouth - Last Thursday of the month 10 am -12 pm Truro second Thursday of each month Plymouth - The Future Inn, Plymouth, tea and biscuits provided Truro - Victoria Inn, Truro with Cornish cream tea For further details: www.facebook.com/southwestmesotheliomasupportgroup www.twitter.com/swmesosupport Cheltenham & Gloucester Cheltenham and Gloucester Support Group Telephone: 07768 566509 - Gerry Slade Service: Gerry.Slade4@yahoo.com Group aimed at supporting those suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases and their families. Includes guest speakers. Light refreshments served. Also organises Christmas meal and trips to local places of interest Frequency: Monthly 2:00 4:00pm Whitminster Village Hall, Gloucestershire, GL2 7NT.
15 Yorkshire Leeds MESSY - Mesothelioma Support Yorkshire, Mesothelioma Support Group Telephone: 01423 555872 - Simon Bolton Mesothelioma UK Nurse Specialist Service: https://messy.org.uk/ Aim to provide support and practical advice to sufferers of mesothelioma and their carers Includes healthcare workers and legal advice Frequency: Every 4 weeks on a Friday afternoon for dates please use contact number above or go to website as detailed above 2.00pm and 4.00pm Park Plaza Hotel, Boar Lane, City Square, Leeds, LS1 5NS