A new virtual peer support group for people affected by diabetes in Walsall will take place online every couple of months.
Set up by Healthwatch Walsall and Diabetes UK, the group will feature specialists offering advice and support on the condition, as well as giving those with diabetes the chance to share their stories and learn from other suffers in the local community.
Aileen Farrer, Manager Healthwatch Walsall said: “We know from talking to people in the community that supporting people living with Diabetes is so important. We got in touch with Diabetes UK and the Specialist Diabetes Nurses at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust to talk about setting up a peer support group locally. So far it’s been a great success and we look forward to meeting even more people and helping to offer the support that people said they needed.”
Donna Chaloner, Lead for Community Diabetes Services for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust said: “We are really pleased we have been able to set up this group in response to learning more from what matters most to our service users and they have given us really useful insights into how we can help improve care in Walsall. Prevention is a key priority for the Walsall Together partnership and this is a great example of how we are raising awareness of what people can do to better manage their Diabetes and supporting them to learn more about how they can take better care of themselves.
Shaleen Sandhu, Volunteer Coordinator for Diabetes Uk West Midlands, said: “We are really delighted to be working with Healthwatch Walsall and Walsall Together to bring this much-needed diabetes support group to the area. Living with diabetes or supporting someone with the condition every day can be hard at times, but sharing your experiences with others who understand can really help. I encourage anyone who is living with or affected by diabetes in Walsall to join one of the sessions as alongside peer support, they will also offer expert advice on a range of subjects which will help you manage the condition well.”
The next meeting is set up for 28 July at 11am. For further information, contact Healthwatch Walsall on 0800 470 1660 or email info@healthwatchwalsall.co.uk