Diabetes UK is hoping to recruit five Community Champions in the London Borough of Waltham Forest to represent their communities and help people who live with diabetes.
Once recruited, Community Champions receive training about type 2 diabetes, who is at risk, the signs and symptoms, myths and misconceptions, complications and NHS services.
They can then organise stalls, talks, presentations and healthy living days at community centres, health fairs and festivals in their local area
In Waltham Forest, Diabetes UK staff have been working over the past 18 months with volunteers, local community groups, partners, the council and the NHS to raise awareness of diabetes and improve care and support for those living with diabetes.
The new Community Champions will play a key role in facilitating and promoting established connections and partnerships plus making new connections.
People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly (also known as insulin resistance). If not managed well, it can lead to sight loss, lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke.
People from African-Caribbean, Black African, or South Asian backgrounds can be two to four times more likely than average to develop type 2 diabetes, yet simple lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce the risk of developing the condition or help manage it well.
The National Diabetes Audit (2021/22) revealed that as many as four in five people in some parts of Waltham Forest were not accessing all the care they are entitled to receive.
Jill Steaton, Head of South East Coast and London Region, Diabetes UK, said:
“Our Community Champion programme has been an incredible success in many areas. As much as we teach our champions about tackling diabetes, they educate us about the differences in diet, health habits and the nuances of their communities.
“We've been building our relationships with diverse communities in Waltham Forest and working with community organisations by attending events, visiting places of worship and offering online resources to ensure more people are aware of their risk of developing diabetes, as well as encouraging better self-care for those living with diabetes.”
For more information about becoming a community champion in Waltham Forest contact Silvia Sullivan on 020 7424 1109 or email secoastandlondon@diabetes.org.uk
