108 people died of mesothelioma (asbestos cancer) in the East Midlands in 2005, this is set to increase.1 The UK is facing an epidemic of the cancer in 2011 - 2015 as people exposed to asbestos in the 1960’s and 1970’s are diagnosed with the disease. (It takes 40 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to become apparent following exposure to asbestos). There is no cure. Asbestos can be found in many public buildings including schools, hospitals and even the House of Parliament. Occupations most at risk from diagnosis of asbestos related diseases include those who have worked in heavy engineering such as on the railways, laggers and maintenance workers such as carpenters, joiners and electricians. However, many other professional workers have come into contact with asbestos and been diagnosed with mesothelioma including teachers, nurses and office staff. Mesothelioma can develop after relatively short doses of exposure to asbestos. Many former and current Trade Union members have come into contact and been diagnosed with asbestos related diseases. DAST (Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team) offers a unique service offering a wide range of benefits advice and advice about Government Schemes and Civil compensation as well as being a support network for victims. The free, confidential service is available to anyone with an asbestos related disease or their families and carers. As a result of a successful bid to Macmillan Cancer Support, DAST is able to offer the service throughout the East Midlands. The official launch of the extended and improved service will take place on Friday 19th September 2008 at The Cleaves Conference Centre, 6 Castle Gate, Nottingham. The Conference stats at 10.30am with registration from 10.00am. Lunch will be served at 12.30pm. To find out how DAST can benefit your members please come along to the launch. Please contact Joanne Carlin or Natalie Woodward on 01623 748161 to reserve a place.