About our mesothelioma support team
Living with a work-related illness is challenging. Our Mesothelioma Support Managers come from palliative care, social work, and occupational therapy backgrounds. The have the practical skills and knowledge to help you with the important day-to-day issues you’ll encounter.
Your consultant and healthcare team are looking after your treatment. Our mesothelioma legal team will pursue your claim. But who’s out there helping you navigate what other support is available for you and your loved ones?
Our Mesothelioma Support Team have strong relationships with local care providers, charities, and support groups. They have knowledge of the health and social care system and related benefits. They can put you in touch with local organisations to take some of the pressure off your shoulders.
We know that early support will make a huge difference to your journey. So, we’ll connect you with our client support managers soon after you instruct us to help with your mesothelioma claim.
What our Mesothelioma Support Managers will do for you
While your lawyer investigates and manages your case, our Client Support Managers will work with you to assess what kind of support you need. This service is available at no extra cost.
They’ll advise you and help you to access:
- Statutory care and support services
- Understanding your condition and any treatments
- Local support and related charities
- Enable you to continue doing the things that are important to you
- Benefits
- Carer support services
- Adjustment and impact of your illness
- Ensuring those closest to you are properly supported.
Our Mesothelioma Support Team give you a direct point of contact when you’re not sure where to turn next. Whether you’re struggling with the challenges of living with a life-limiting condition, or just need a chat, they're here for you.
Meet our Client Support Managers
Jacquie Bates – Client Support Manager: Background specialty in working with families living with life-altering illnesses. Jacquie is based in the South and supports our clients there.
“This is a really person-centred and innovative new role within Irwin Mitchell, designed to assist those affected by a workplace illness, like Mesothelioma. I’m really excited at the prospect of being able to use the knowledge and skills I’ve gained during my 25 years as a Social Worker, to help and support our clients (and their families / carers) who are dealing with the devastating impact of a life-limiting illness. I feel proud to work for a law firm that understands and recognises that sometimes our clients require a more holistic approach to their needs.”
Michaela Morris – Client Support Manager: Background speciality in delivering occupational therapy into palliative care settings. Michaela is based in Yorkshire and supports families and people in person and virtually across the North of England.
“I’m excited to be taking on the new Client Support Manager role in our Workplace Illness team. Living with a life-limiting illness, such as Mesothelioma, or another work-related illness is so daunting, and knowing where to turn and how to plan for the future can be overwhelming. I’m an Occupational Therapist with a background in hospice care, palliative care and mental health. The support we can offer is unique and enables people to focus on quality of life.”
Client stories
Andrew's story
Andrew's father Terence was diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. Our specialist mesothelioma team helped Andrew and his siblings access the support they needed after Terence passed away.
Read Andrew's full story.
John's story
John was diagnosed with mesothelioma when he was 74. He lives alone and is estranged from most of his family. While out in the community, John was mugged and sustained an injury to his foot and a fractured cheekbone. This left him afraid to be alone.
Our solicitor referred John to Jacquie, one of our Client Support Managers. She helped him to adjust his home environment to meet his needs in being more independent. She also organised his medication and paperwork.
Jacquie has also arranged for a private carer to visit John each morning. This has helped him to regain his confidence in going out in the community.
Read John’s full story.
Rose's story
“Why did it choose me?” Rose couldn’t help asking after she was diagnosed with mesothelioma in September 2019.
Before finding out she had mesothelioma, Rose worked as an estate agent. She first thought she’d come in to contact with asbestos in houses because it was often highlighted on surveys that came back during the sales process.
We referred Rose to our Client Support Manager Michaela Morris who’s offered emotional and practical support to help her come to terms with her diagnosis. She says, “Michaela’s supported me with what I’ve had to go through emotionally. She’s been absolutely brilliant every step of the way.”
Read Rose's full story.
Ron's story
Ron was diagnosed with mesothelioma and was supported by our Client Support Team.
Ron discusses the impact of mesothelioma, the support available, and the benefits of making a claim with Ian Toft in our podcast.
Listen to this episode of the podcast.
Contact our team
If you’re already one of our clients, our lawyers will put you in touch with our Mesothelioma Support Team.
You can also get in touch online. Our support line is manned by real people 24/7. Call us on 0800 056 4110.
All Scottish cases will be handled by the Scottish law firm with which we are associated, Irwin Mitchell Scotland LLP. The law relating to funding is different in Scotland and you will receive separate advice about what that means as well as a separate funding agreement.
