Region’s Donation to Help Victims of Asbestos

4 Mar 2008

The Yorkshire & North Derbyshire region made a significant donation to assist a most admirable cause helping asbestos victims and their families in the region.  Formed in 1994, initially on a voluntary basis by trade union activists, occupational health workers, asbestos victims and supporters, SARAG (Sheffield and Rotherham Asbestos Group) managed to survive on good will and donations.

Between 1999 and 2002, SARAG was fortunate enough to secure significant funding from the National Lottery and a grant from Lloyds TSB Foundation, which allowed for expansion and for SARAG to begin employing a number of workers full-time.

Unfortunately, last year funding dried up forcing a number of changes, including having to let some staff go and a move to a smaller office; but despite the traumas, SARAG, a member of the Asbestos Support Groups’ Forum, continues to deliver and demand for their services continues to increase. 

As well as providing advice and support to thousands and helping people affected by asbestos access over £2 million in benefits in the last 7 years, SARAG is also involved in high level campaigning and raising awareness of the plight of asbestos victims.

Receiving the region’s cheque for £5,000 Paula Walker, SARAG support worker said, “I’m absolutely overwhelmed, this will make such a difference to us, we can’t thank GMB enough.” Tristan Chard, the region’s health and safety officer said, “It’s marvellous that our union is able to make such a donation which will impact so positively in our region and help this most worthwhile organisation in providing the fantastic support and advice work that it has for the past 14 years.

May SARAG continue as one of the leading UK campaigning organisations on behalf of sufferers of asbestos related disease”. SARAG can be contacted on 0114 282 3212 or email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)