Our Engaging Communities team connects with communities that are at higher risk of developing type 2 and gestational diabetes.
This includes people from South Asian, Black African, Black Caribbean and other minority communities, and those living in areas of economic and social deprivation.
They do this by attending events and workshops and by giving talks with the aim of building relationships to raise awareness of diabetes and to help people live better with the condition. They also work with local organisations, and we are actively involved in recruiting, training, and supporting Community Champion Volunteers who can help us reach out to their communities.
They aim to tackle stigma and help build a grassroots movement improving lives and signpost Black, South Asian and other minority communities towards diabetes prevention, management and care.
Current Activities and Recent Work
- We recently did a presentation at the Gap Project in Broadstairs. The Gap Project is a community project for people in poverty and deprivation. There are group activities, individual support and a café offering a hot meal.
- We did another presentation at Hastings Older People Ethnic Group, Hope-G, which aims to provide a voice for predominantly, but not exclusively, Black and minority ethnic older people (50+) in East Sussex.
- Worked with Healthwatch Waltham Forest and NHS North East London to deliver a diabetes awareness event for over 200 women at the Waltham Forest Islamic Association.
- We work with local organisations such as Social Enterprise Kent, visiting their community shops to raise awareness of diabetes and what people can do to reduce their risk.
- We also work with a wide variety of local charities such as Age UK and Porchlight and public health organisations including Crawley Wellbeing and One You Kent.
