Attending PRASAG, the North East England mesothelioma victims' support group
I have attended several meetings of the North East's support group for those suffering from mesothelioma and their families, known as the Paul Redhead Asbestos Support Awareness Group (PRASAG). This support group holds monthly meetings from 11 am on the first Tuesday of the month in Darlington and the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Morpeth, and I can see why the meetings are so popular.
The group's founder, Sam Cox, greets everyone with a cheery smile, refreshments are always available, and I was fortunate to have attended a meeting where they had cream teas available. The group provides a chance to speak with others on several issues, from how you might be feeling, to holidays, to how family members are coping or just to sharing funny stories. The group works well to support those attending because it's friendly, caring and a place where it's ok to share concerns or something lighter hearted with people who understand.
When I have seen a new member of the group attending for the first time it's clear that the first meeting can be daunting, especially at such a difficult time just after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. They always look so much more reassured once they have spoken to others who know what they are going through and how they feel. Leah Taylor, the Mesothelioma UK Nurse Specialist for the North East, also attends the group and is on hand to answer any medical questions.
I was invited to the PRASAG meeting by the founder, Sam Cox because Fieldfisher supports the group. I am also an APIL accredited asbestos specialist, so Sam is confident that I can advise fully on mesothelioma compensation claims if requested. Meeting and choosing a solicitor in the setting of a support group is much easier than guessing who to phone from a list of numbers. Of those that I've spoken to, they welcome the opportunity for the informal advice within a friendly setting.
If you live in the North East area and have received a diagnosis of mesothelioma, I would recommend that you come along to the PRASAG support group and see for yourself what a difference it can make. I'm pleased that Fieldfisher contributes to something that helps those diagnosed with this asbestos related cancer. Over the years Fieldfisher have dedicated themselves to pioneering legal cases and winning compensation for those with mesothelioma, but most importantly our client's come first, and it's the individual that counts.
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related condition and have a question you would like to ask in private, then please do not hesitate to call me on 0161 835 8010 or email bridget.collier@fieldfisher.com.