CAA is delighted to announce the launch of a new initiative for helping people cope with the symptoms of asbestos related disease. A monthly support group has been set up and a symptom management course been developed with a group of men from Aberdeen who suffer from an asbestos-related disease.
The launch event was held on Tuesday 14th September at Aberdeen Town House. We are delighted to say that it was very well attended by our own members, local councillors, members of parliament, and representatives from various advice agencies, trade unions and the medical profession.
Baillie Irene Cormack, Richard Baker MSP, and Dr Chetty, Respiratory Consultant at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary all gave inspiring and supportive presentations highlighting the need for, and importance of, having our service in Aberdeen.
Sufferers of asbestos related disease, working with the Aberdeen branch of Clydeside Action on Asbestos (CAA), devised the course after identifying common problems they had. Group member Jim Ingles said: “I had been attending the monthly support group and it became obvious that all of us attending the group had problems in their daily lives because of breathlessness and because of worrying about what the future held for us. We decided that we would like help to deal with this.”
“CAA helped us to put a course together to help us manage our symptoms better, particularly breathlessness. I have gained confidence and peace of mind from knowing that there are practical things I can do to help myself, particularly learning about using breathing techniques to manage my breathlessness.”
Group member Iain Gifford, who has been diagnosed with asbestosis, gave a very moving and impassioned speech on his experience of living with the diagnosis and the difficulties he had in getting justice and support until Clydeside Action got involved.
Local MSP Richard Baker welcomed the initiative. Mr Baker said: “Both the support group and the self-management course are an excellent and valued addition to the support available locally for people with an asbestos-related illness. “I am extremely supportive of these initiatives, particularly as the support is available to both the person with the illness and the members of their family.”
The initiative was also supported by Councillor Cormack, who added: “It is important to recognise that the numbers of people being diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition in Aberdeen is increasing. It is vital that the support and services are in place to meet their needs.”
Professor Graham Deveraux, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary added: “The self-management course is certainly going to be of great benefit. A vital part of the management of asbestos-related lung disease is education and patients, and their families, learning how to deal with symptoms such as breathlessness. The course will perfectly compliment the input from hospital and general practice, and I have no doubt that this will improve their ability to manage their daily routine.”
The media were invited to interview some of our own members who explained what it meant to them to have Clydeside Action in Aberdeen supporting them and the positive impact having the support group meetings had on their lives.
A buffet lunch was served during which informal feedback was given. The response was very positive with those in attendance telling us that they had learned a lot from attending. They found it very helpful to learn more about asbestos related illnesses and the impact it had on people’s everyday lives.
Clydeside Action on Asbestos were made to feel very welcome and supported by the City of Aberdeen. Kate Gallagher, CAA outreach worker, said: “I would like to thank all of those who attended and gave us such positive support. It is very much appreciated and I look forward to working in partnership with you all.”
