Support for you

It’s normal to experience a range of emotions when you’re diagnosed with mesothelioma. You might feel shocked, scared, angry, anxious, or numb. You might feel a combination of these or feel different at different times. You may find it difficult to take in the fact that you have mesothelioma. Your family and friends may also feel these feelings.

When you’re ready, it’s important to talk about your feelings. You may find it helpful to talk to friends and family. You can also talk with your cancer nurse specialist. If you need more support, your cancer nurse specialist can help you find a counsellor or psychologist.

Support groups, where you can share your feelings and experiences with other people living with mesothelioma, can be very helpful. Mesothelioma UK has a list of support groups across the country.

If you’re caring for someone with mesothelioma, you may need support of your own. We have lots of information about support you can get as a carer, including details of organisations that can support you.

Asthma + Lung UK

Our helpline team of respiratory nurse specialists are there to answer your questions. They can also help you find a local mesothelioma or asbestos support group. Call them on 0300 222 5800. Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. We also run support groups online and in-person for people with lung conditions.

Mesothelioma UK

Mesothelioma UK has a helpline, information about mesothelioma and keeps a list of support groups. They have a number of useful resources for people living with mesothelioma available to download for free. 
www.mesothelioma.uk.com 
Helpline: 0800 169 2409

Asbestos Awareness and Support Cymru

AASC gives support to people with asbestos-related disease in Wales. It has a network of support groups and works to raise awareness.
www.a-a-s-c.org.uk 
Helpline: 01495 272479

Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK

The forum represents asbestos victims support groups and provides advice on benefits and compensation for those with mesothelioma and their families. 
www.asbestosforum.org.uk

Action on Asbestos

Action on Asbestos campaigns for people with asbestos-related disease in Scotland. It advises on welfare rights and has a network of support groups. They can also help you find a specialist solicitor in Scotland.
www.clydesideactiononasbestos.org.uk
Freephone: 0800 089 1717

If you have mesothelioma or care for someone who does, you may be entitled to state welfare payments, including:

• Industrial injuries disablement benefit (IDB)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance
• the Blue Badge scheme

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you can get Attendance Allowance or PIP immediately. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) will fast-track the application. 

We have information about benefits for people living with a lung condition. Mesothelioma UK also have benefits advice and contacts.

Making a civil claim 

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition in the last three years, you may be able to make a civil claim. A civil claim is a formal request for compensation.

You can also make a claim on behalf of a loved one who has already died from an asbestos-related disease or continue their claim if they die while it is ongoing.

Mesothelioma UK has detailed advice on making a claim. You can get proof of employment history to support your claim from the government.

Compensation funds

If you have mesothelioma, there are different options available to you, depending on your circumstances. In some cases, you can claim if you were a dependent of a person with mesothelioma who has died. 

• Pneumoconiosis Etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979. A lump sum available to people with mesothelioma who receive Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. You must claim within 12 months of the decision awarding IIDB. 
• Diffuse mesothelioma payments (the ‘2008 scheme’). A lump sum available for people exposed to asbestos who aren’t eligible for payment under the 1979 act. This may be because you came into contact with asbestos through a relative, in the environment or while you were self-employed. 
• Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS). This is for people who were exposed to asbestos by their employer but can’t bring a claim against them. You can fill out a questionnaire to see if you may be eligible.
• War Pensions Scheme. If you have mesothelioma because you came into contact with asbestos while serving in the armed forces, you might be able to make a claim under the War Pensions Scheme. Your payment can be in the form of a one-off lump sum or weekly or monthly payments. Contact the Veterans Welfare Service or phone the Veterans UK helpline on 0808 1914 218.

If you have mesothelioma, there may come a time when you need to think about the last years, months, weeks, or days of life. We have information for people with a long-term lung condition who are coming to the end of their life, including advice on advance care planning, emotions and sharing your thoughts, and practicalities.

Deaths from mesothelioma in the UK have to be reported to the coroner. Mesothelioma UK has information about this process.

If your loved one dies from mesothelioma, you may be able to make a compensation claim. Find out more from Mesothelioma UK.