The South West and South Central team dispersed themselves across the region for this year’s Diabetes Week (10 – 16 June). Supported by groups and volunteers, the team hosted diabetes themed events and activities at key locations across the region, providing support to hundreds of people.
In celebration of this year’s Diabetes Week, the South West and South Central team, partners and volunteers were busy engaging local communities in conversations around diabetes, sharing resources and signposting to relevant support.
A total of 16 stands popped up across the region in libraries, shopping centres, supermarkets, sports centres and at street fairs. Through a collective effort, nearly 60 hours of time was dedicated to meaningful conversations with people who live with the condition or care for someone who has it, and those at risk of type 2 diabetes.
Bob, treasurer of our Gloucester support group, hosted a stand at Bishop's Cleeve Street Fair in Gloucester. He said:
“It was a busy day. We spoke to forty or fifty people and distributed lots of Diabetes UK leaflets. Popular subjects were eating well, recipes and lifestyle changes.”
In Slough, Dolly, community champion, gave up her time to speak to people at her local library, shopping centre and an event organised by Slough Voluntary Service. She said:
“I’m really passionate about raising awareness of diabetes, and removing the myths associated with diabetes particularly amongst black and south Asian communities, who are more at risk of type 2. It’s vital everyone understands the complexities of the condition and sees there’s no shame in asking for support.”
Sally, a volunteer for the Winchester & Eastleigh support group, opened up her garden where she welcomed over 60 people and raised an amazing £850. She said:
“I was thrilled that so many people came along to support the event and to support Diabetes UK. Everyone was genuinely interested in the garden and the charity. Those of us living with diabetes enjoyed the opportunity to come together and support each other. It was a lovely afternoon.”
The Basingstoke support group hosted a ‘walk and talk’ event where locals were able to get together, enjoy the outdoors and share their experiences of diabetes with each other.
Volunteer and Outreach Partnership Officer Chloe Skinner said:
“This Diabetes Week we wanted to raise awareness of diabetes on a mass scale. We also wanted to reach people who may not already be engaged with Diabetes UK and the support we can offer. By pitching up diabetes themed stands at locations across the region, and hosting events, we were able to start conversations with people we might never usually have the chance to speak to.
I want to say a massive thank you to each and every person who gave up their time during Diabetes Week. Together, we’ve made a huge impact on our local community.”
