Getting involved
If you're interested in becoming a volunteer in the North of England, we'd love to hear from you. We're always eager to hear what activities you're interested in and ideas you have for creating a world where diabetes can do no harm. To give you an idea of some of our volunteering opportunities, we've included some information below.
Current opportunities
Micro-volunteering
If you would like to get involved but are worried about how much time you can give, then our micro-volunteering role is something you can do to raise awareness of diabetes and spread our message that diabetes is relentless.
Small actions can make a big impact. If you can help us to share our key messages and raise awareness of diabetes, our Diabetes UK North of England team would love to hear from you.
There are so many ways to micro-volunteer from sharing our information on social media, to raising awareness of diabetes. We would love to hear how you would like to get involved.
"I love being a volunteer, it feels like each little thing has the power to make such a big difference! Whether it’s sharing the symptoms to look for on social media or a low-carb pizza recipe for Fake-away February, I love it!” Lucy, Scarborough (Volunteer)
If you would like to hear more, please get in touch with us.
Peer Support Groups
Our local groups are vital networks of support to those affected by diabetes. They run their own meetings, events, walks and activities in their communities.
Our peer support volunteers have lived experience of diabetes and a passion to support others. To get involved with our peer support groups, we'll conduct a Criminal Records Check and you'll be asked to complete our training. We have lots of resources to support our groups and a large network of existing groups who offer a warm welcome and ongoing support as well.
"We’ve loved working together and had a lot of fun at meetings and events. The group’s really important and has brought a lot to people in the community. There are enough people that we know we’ve made a difference to, to feel that it’s very well worth carrying on and building on what we’ve got.” Anita, Sheffield Support Group
If you are interested in volunteering for an existing peer support group or you would like more information about setting up a new peer support group in your area, then please get in touch with us.
See our current listing of Northern groups to find peer support in your area.
Speaker Volunteer
Our Speaker Volunteers give talks to a wide range of people, including community groups, local organisations, schools and at Diabetes UK events. Sometimes, we will get in touch with you to tell you about someone in your area who is interested in having a speaker, but you can also approach people yourself to offer awareness talks.
Our speakers are provided with presentation resources and training. To become a speaker you'll attend our training session and provide two references for our safer recruitment processes.
During the coronavirus pandemic, we are also offering support on using online meeting platforms, such as Zoom, so you can deliver talks safely online.
My favourite thing about volunteering is… “meeting people and making a difference to their life. Giving something back to your community.” Altaf, Batley (Volunteer Speaker)
If you are interested in hearing more, please get in touch.
Community Champion
Our Community Champions are local people who use their experience, knowledge and passion to support friends, family and colleagues in reducing their risk of developing diabetes and seeking help early if they suspect they are at risk or have symptoms.
Community Champions are empowered to educate and raise awareness of diabetes by organising stalls, talks, presentations and taking part in events at community centres, health and wellbeing fairs and local festivals.
"Being involved with Diabetes UK's community champion role has been amazing. It's so rewarding to be part of a community with shared experience, where we can all learn from each other and share our stories to help educate others. The connection between people living with or caring for diabetes is invaluable as it's something not many others can understand on such a personal level. This shared community is creating space for open, honest and realistic discussions about diabetes, giving us all the chance to feel heard, included and more understood." Lucy, Wigan (Volunteer)
You can find whether this role is in your area using our postcode finder.
Events Volunteer
Events volunteers help raise awareness of diabetes and Diabetes UK at events around the region. The location of events range from market squares and high streets to big events such as county shows. Volunteers can also help out at conferences, sporting events and support days, providing a helping hand to reach people with diabetes in their local area.
What I enjoy about events volunteering is "working with everyone and their different experiences. People's engagement was really good and I loved Africa Oyé festival itself. Engaging with people was very nice. I saw a group of people doing sign language and I know basic signing so I couldn't help but sign to them and tell them about diabetes and Diabetes UK. It was really nice to have so many conversations with different people." Titi (Volunteer at Africa Oyé festival)
Contact Us
To find out more, please get in touch with us :
Tel: 01925 653281
Email: north@diabetes.org.uk
