Volunteers at Clydebank Asbestos Group

Brian started volunteering as a client adviser at Clydebank Asbestos Group in August 2022.

 

Previously, he worked in housing and social work fields as a homelessness officer, community worker and in social work planning and research with North Lanarkshire council.

 

He also chaired the North Lanarkshire carers strategy implementation group which was made up of individual carers, carers’ groups such as the Princess Royal Trust, health and council officers and other service providers.

 

Brian grew up in Clydebank, and although he has always been aware of issues around asbestos he only recently returned to the town and decided to become involved in the work of CAG.

 

As well as feeling that assisting people affected by asbestos is valuable, Brian also enjoys working with other volunteers and meeting so many inspiring people who come through the service.

 

In his spare time, Brian is actively involved with Glasgow and West of Scotland Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and enjoys cycling around Scotland.

Christine joined CAG as a volunteer in 2013 and became Vice-Chair in 2016.

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Christine has lived and worked in Clydebank all her life and worked in the Singer sewing machine factory.

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Before she started volunteering, Christine had a longtime connection to CAG through family and would visit the office often.

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Christine started volunteering because of her connections to the CAG team and a desire to help victims of asbestos.

 

Christine enjoys the social aspect of volunteering at CAG and getting to know new clients. She also enjoys learning about developments in how we can support asbestos victims and has taken part in benefits and legal training.

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Outside of CAG, Christine is kept busy through membership of local associations.

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She is a member of Dalmuir Bowling Club and bowls twice a week. Christine also enjoys learning about Clydebank’s past as a member of the Clydebank History Society and creative pursuits like crochet and knitting.

Kate first became involved with Clydebank Asbestos Group in 2019. Kate was aware of CAG as they supported her late father Donald nearly 13 years previously when he was diagnosed and subsequently passed away with mesothelioma.

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Prior to retiring, Kate worked in clerical roles, ending her career with working in a school office for 14 years.

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Kate felt that it would be nice to give something back to the community through volunteering at CAG after they had looked after her father.

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Kate became Secretary of CAG in 2019 and now volunteers weekly. She enjoys working with amazing staff, clients and volunteers alike.

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Outside of volunteering with CAG Kate enjoys spending time with her family and loves travelling, listening to music and reading. She also enjoys walking and exploring the outdoors.

Kenny joined CAG as a volunteer in August 2022 as he wanted to put something back into the local community and help people affected by illness following asbestos exposure.

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He feels CAG plays an important role in offering support helping its clients gain financial assistance and other support.

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Kenny completed apprenticeship as a ship’s joiner at Scotstoun Marine before working in other boat yards and progressing to the drawing office.

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He recently retired after 30 years as projects and property manager with Scottish & Newcastle and Heineken.

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Managing the risk of asbestos exposure was critical part of this job and Kenny finds that his practical property and construction knowledge is invaluable when assisting CAG’S clients.

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In his spare time, Kenny’s main passion is sailing and spending the summer season on the water of the West Coast of Scotland. He is also a football fan and a long-standing season ticket holder for a famous Glasgow football club.

Michael started volunteering as a client advisor in February 2022.

 

Michael already had a connection to Clydebank Asbestos Group before he started volunteering. In 2019 he was part of a group that won £3,000 for CAG through the Youth Philanthropy Initiative, during which time he never forgot the impact of CAG on the local community and how asbestos is a contemporary issue which still requires attention.

Michael is currently studying Scots Law and finds volunteering with CAG a welcome break from his studies. He finds that volunteering provides a practical insight into legal processes in a hands-on way.

 

He feels that the experience gained through volunteering at CAG will continue to be valuable as he progresses through his studies and legal career.

In his spare time, Michael plays competitive basketball for a Glasgow team as well as working part time in a small shop.

Noel got involved with CAG not long after his dad Patrick passed away with Mesothelioma in May 2020. He was inspired to start volunteering after witnessing first-hand the support the Group provided his dad.

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Before retiring, Noel worked in engineering, IT and education for over 30 years. He also has extensive experience in voluntary work, particularly in the mental health sector, and was on the board of directors for a local mental health charity for over 10 years.

Noel enjoys the variety that volunteering at CAG offers and meeting new people.

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His main aim is to help people in any way he can and use the experience gained during his dad’s illness and consequent passing to help those diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions.

Noel’s hobbies outside of CAG include reading, keeping fit, motorcycling and watching his local team- Clydebank FC.