Asbestos & Workplace Illness
Asbestos and mesothelioma support groups provide free emotional and practical support to people affected by asbestos‑related illnesses, as well as to families who have lost a loved one.
Head of Asbestos & Workplace Illness & Partner
If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with an illness following asbestos exposure, it can be a frightening and overwhelming time – and it isn’t always clear where to turn for help.
Across the UK, independent support groups work to help people living with chronic asbestos-related conditions and those coping with bereavement.
We’ve listed trusted organisations below to help ensure you don’t have to face an asbestos-related diagnosis on your own and can access the support you need, when you need it.
The organisations listed below offer independent support, including both group and one-to-one support, as well as signposting to trusted local services.
Support is available both regionally and nationwide, ensuring you can access help wherever you are in the UK.
LASAG provides emotional and practical support to people affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos‑related diseases. Hodge Jones & Allen actively supports this organisation.
Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum UK is the national organisation representing asbestos support groups across the UK. It ensures member organisations are independent not-for-profit organisations or registered charities.
Who they help: People affected by asbestos-related diseases and families seeking trusted local support.
Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors’ asbestos disease Partners have a wealth of knowledge in this area reinforced by over 25 years each of experience in this specialised area of the law. Backed by an impressive ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating, our dedicated, highly experienced team supports individuals and families affected by asbestos diseases.
Led by Partner Isobel Lovett alongside her fellow APIL-accredited Partner, Lorna Webster, the team always takes an empathetic approach to their work and have earned a successful track-record in securing compensation for their clients.
Head of Asbestos & Workplace Illness & Partner
“They were extremely professional, sensitive and showed complete compassion at all times. Their work was second to none.”
“The asbestos team at Hodge Jones & Allen is both experienced and very effective with a great track record of acting for claimants in relation to asbestos-related injuries.”
“In our day-to-day work, we speak to a lot of people after an asbestos‑related diagnosis who are trying to work out what their options are and where to turn for different types of support. We offer full legal support and signpost our clients to their local independent support group for support outside of the legal issues.”
In addition to asbestos support groups, the organisations below provide various forms of support for people affected by asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.
The Forum is the National Organisation of asbestos support groups and is open to all groups who provide free and independent support to people with asbestos related diseases. Forum members must be not-for-profit organisations or registered charities and must abide by the Forum’s principles. Some organisations look like they are independent or charities, when in fact they are claims management companies or firms of solicitors. If you need to locate your local Forum member group, please check out their website.
Website: asbestosforum.org.uk
Phone: 01246 380415
Macmillan offers emotional, financial and medical advice to people living with cancer, including asbestos‑related cancers.
Website: macmillan.org.uk
Phone: 0808 808 0000
Mesothelioma UK provides information and nurse support for people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their families.
Website: mesothelioma.uk.com
Phone: 0800 169 2409
Asthma + Lung UK provides information and support for people affected by lung conditions, including those caused by asbestos exposure.
Website: asthmaandlung.org.uk
Phone: 0300 222 5800
Asbestos support groups are independent organisations that provide free help to people affected by asbestos‑related illnesses, including mesothelioma, as well as to families who have lost a loved one.
Their role is to provide understanding and support following an asbestos-related diagnosis or bereavement, helping people feel less alone and more confident about accessing the help that is available to them.
Asbestos support groups offer different types of help to support people through what can be an upsetting and uncertain time. The support available may include:
Yes, asbestos support groups are free to use. They’re usually run by independent charities or not for profit organisations and exist to support people affected by asbestos related illnesses and their families. You can contact them simply to talk things through at your own pace, without any obligation or pressure.
No, you don’t need a confirmed diagnosis to contact an asbestos support group. Many people get in touch when they are worried about symptoms or awaiting test results, to help them understand what asbestos exposure could mean for them or their family.
In some cases, you might need a diagnosis to access specialist or condition specific support, but you can still contact a support group at any stage. They’re there to listen, offering reassurance and helping you think through your next steps at your own pace.
Yes, asbestos support groups are independent organisations, often run by charities or not‑for‑profit groups. Their focus is on providing support to people affected by asbestos‑related illness, rather than promoting legal or claims services.
That said, it’s worth being aware that some organisations may appear to be independent support groups, but are actually linked to claims management companies.
Support groups will be able to signpost you to trusted and experienced solicitors, such as Hodge Jones & Allen, who can advise about compensation options.
A genuine support group will be open about who they are. You should never feel pressured to take legal action or make decisions before you’re ready.
Finding the right support group often starts with thinking about how you’d feel most comfortable getting support. Some people prefer local groups so they can speak to someone face to face, while others feel more comfortable starting with a national organisation that offers support by phone or online.
It can also help to consider what kind of support feels most useful to you right now – for example, emotional reassurance or practical guidance.
If you’re unsure where to begin, we can help you understand your options. You’re welcome to contact us on 0330 822 3451 – we’ll listen to your specific situation and point you towards trusted, relevant organisations, so you can find the right support at your own pace.
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