DAST is pleased to announce that Macmillan Cancer Support have awarded us  £153,000 for period of 5 years; however, the final 2 years are tapered.  Natalie Woodward began in January 2008 as Development Worker.  Natalie formerly welfare rights officer for the Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres will be providing welfare rights advice to anyone diagnosed with an asbestos related disease in the East Midlands.    We are very excited about the post which will now enable us to offer a full-range of benefits advice to those who need us throughout the East Midlands.    Throughout the project we will be working closely with Macmillan Cancer Support.

Paul McCavana, Regional Development Manager for  Macmillan Cancer Support for South Yorkshire and Derbyshire commented about the project “Macmillan Cancer Support are delighted to be working in partnership with DAST in order to improve the lives of people affected by asbestos related diseases which include a significant number of cancer related conditions. Our primary aim is to be a support to people living with cancer and this partnership will enable us to reach more people and be able to offer our wide range of support."

DAST formerly launched our service throughout the East Midlands on Friday 19th September 2008.  The launch was well attended by Trade Union members, lung cancer nurse specialist, the Health and Safety Executive and local welfare rights organisations.