Latest Newsletter

2010 Annual Report

The Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team is a registered charity for the relief of people who have suffered ill-health, injury or become disabled from their work with asbestos. Also helping their families by the provision of support, advice and assistance. DAST is also linked with other asbestos support groups throughout the UK and abroad to work together to ensure all those injured are offered the support and assistance as required.The Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team (DAST) was established in March 2002 and in June 2007 became a registered charity. (No. 1119684)

The Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team will conduct home visits or hospital visits. 
Our services include:-
Help with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit forms - This is a weekly allowance paid by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) if your asbestos related illness has been caused by your employment.  This benefit is not payable for pleural plaques.  
Help with Government Compensation Scheme.This scheme is designed to provide compensation for those sufferers of asbestos diseases who are unable to claim compensation from employers who negligently exposed them to asbestos dust for example the firm no longer exists. Help completing the new  Mesothelioma 2008 Scheme. Advice on making a civil claim – either by using one of DAST’s panel of specialist solicitors or through a sufferer’s trade union. 


Help with all other benefit claims - including DLA, AA, ESA, PC
We can put you in contact with others who have the same disease.  We also support Carers and can put carers in contact with someone else also in the position of caring someone with Mesothelioma or an asbestos related disease.
We are also compiling a database of companies who have exposed their employees to asbestos this will help in providing witnesses in support of civil or benefits claims.

Although we are called the Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team we offer advice and information to asbestos-related disease victims and their families in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Burton-on-Trent and Lincolnshire. We will carry out home visits throughout these areas.

The Support Group relies upon volunteers. Sufferers and their families are encouraged to have an input into the working of the group and attend meetings where they can raise concerns and talk to others and share their experiences.  

We also campaign to ensure that sufferers of asbestos related diseases or their families can access justice.  Many workers such as those in the construction industry are still at risk from accidental exposure to asbestos.  DAST continues to highlight the dangers of being exposed to asbestos.

If you have any queries about anything, do not hesitate to contact us.  Past enquiries have been about finding good travel insurance or someone to help with gardening.

DAST continues to grow in strength and since we were established we have given help and advice to over 1000 people with asbestos related diseases.