INVERCLYDE residents with asbestos-related conditions are being urged to come together and help a campaigning charity to improve lives.

Clydeside Action on Asbestos has already achieved success in making politicians and insurance companies take notice of the plight of sufferers and has won a series of victories.

Now local people with such illnesses and other industrial health conditions are being encouraged not to continue suffering on their own.

Phyllis Craig MBE, the charity's senior welfare rights officer, said: "We offer benefits and legal advice and host group sessions to reduce isolation.

"We want anybody who has sustained an industrial injury or disease through no fault of their own to come and get free and confidential help and assistance, and there's a monthly support group at Your Voice in Greenock."

Inverclyde director Bobby Thomson says he is keen to get the message across to people with asbestos-related illnesses that there is local support available to them.

He said: "We let people know that it's not the end of the world.

"There can be self-management of some conditions, which may be debilitating, but life won't end because of them.

"We show people that they can modify their lifestyle to ensure that they still have a good life ahead of them."

Phyllis added: "It's not all doom and gloom.

"And people are there to support one another and there is a camaraderie."

She added: "Asbestosis is not on the decline, in fact there are 750 to 800 new cases each year.

"So it's very much on the increase."

If you or someone you know has an asbestos-related or other industrial medical condition you can contact the charity on Freephone 0800 089 1717, or email admin@clydesideaction.co.uk