Group to help people cope with diabetes

Baroness Young, the former chief executive of DiabetesUK, will present the keynote speech at the launch of the DiabetesUK Local Group being held at the Faraday Community Centre, Kelvin Avenue, Bedford, on Tuesday, February 2 at 6.30pm.

People with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, as well as friends, family and carers of those affected by the conditions, are welcome to attend to meet other people with diabetes from the area.

There will also be information from Diabetes UK about education courses, and other essentials to help people take control and better manage their condition.

Diabetes UK local groups offer people living with diabetes and their families a chance to meet and share experiences with others who are experiencing the same issues.

Local groups also offer people affected by diabetes the opportunity to get involved in fundraising, campaigning to improve local diabetes services, social events and awareness raising activities.

The committee of four ladies, all living with Type 2 diabetes, last year attended the DiabetesUK ‘Living With Diabetes’ day held in Bedford. They found the day really useful and did not want to lose contact with the people they had met, so decided to set up a support group so they could stay in contact and to ensure that local people had access to ongoing support.

Lea Mitchell, chair of the group, said: “We all supported each other and wanted to make sure we stayed in touch. That is when we decided to set up a Diabetes UK support group for Bedford. It is so important to talk to people in the same position.

“I thought I knew a lot about diabetes but I really learnt so much on the ‘Living with Diabetes’ day and there is no doubt that diabetes is a serious condition, but by supporting each other we can definitely improve our quality of life.

“This type of support is not something you can buy in a shop, but it is honestly worth so much more. You feel better if you have support, it gives you a sense of security and also a sense of relief. I would really urge people to come along to our new monthly group meetings. Everyone is welcome, so give it a try..

Laurence Barker, volunteer development manager for Diabetes UK in the Eastern Region, said: “We have worked closely with the committee to help them set up this new group, which will offer support to people with diabetes in Bedfordshire.

“I would urge everyone affected by diabetes in Bedfordshire to come along to this meeting. We will be chatting about the work of Diabetes UK, the support we offer and answering any questions people have too.

“The meetings are a great opportunity for people of all ages to meet each other regularly, offer peer support and share tips on how to successfully manage the condition. I hope as many people as possible will come along to see what a local support group can offer them.”

The event is free to attend and refreshments will be provided. For SatNav to find the centre use postcode the MK42 9SA.

The Bedford group will meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 6.30pm at The Faraday Community Centre. Booking is not required but if you need more information please call Lea Mitchell on 07941 959 464 or email. [email protected]