Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team (DAST) has launched a craft project to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos ahead of the DAST half day conference on 20 November.

DAST, which was established in 2002 and became a registered charity in 2007, was set up to help, support and advise people who have suffered ill-health as a result of asbestos exposure.

Volunteers from DAST are creating a patchwork fabric banner to tell the stories of mesothelioma sufferers and to remind people of the dangers of exposure to asbestos. The creation of the banner coincides with the launch of a new DAST bereavement support project that aims to bring relatives of victims who have died from asbestos disease together to talk about their experiences.

The DAST annual conference will be attended by lawyers from Thompsons Solicitors’ specialist asbestos disease team and will take place at The Spot on Wilmot Street in Derby on 20 November.

Neil Baines, a specialist asbestos solicitor based at Thompsons Solicitors’ Nottingham office, said: “As the firm which ran the first test cases that established the right to compensation for asbestos disease, Thompsons Solicitors has a long history of fighting for people harmed by asbestos.

“We know too well the importance of support groups for families affected by asbestos disease and DAST is a great example of delivering practical and emotional support at a difficult time.

"We are pleased to play a part in the upcoming conference which offers an important opportunity to raise awareness of asbestos disease, while providing a forum for families to come together to meet others whose lives have been similarly affected.”