Wakefield events to help manage diabetes
The South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is inviting people in and around Wakefield affected by diabetes to monthly self-help groups.
The Wakefield Self Management Service which includes the Expert Patient Programme (EPP) is holding the sessions for anyone with diabetes, carers of someone with diabetes or for those who want to find out more.
Diabetes is a common life-long health condition. There are 2.8 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK.
The groups are free of charge and are an opportunity to learn how to improve self management skills and control the condition. The groups are made up of people with diabetes who support and encourage each other, offering advice and sharing management tips.
There are groups held in different areas across Wakefield and local people can come to whichever session or venue suits them best:
•Knottingley diabetes self help group meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month between 10am and 12 noon at the community shop, 9 Pinewood Place, Warwick.
•Castleford Diabetes self help group meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month between 10am and 12 noon at Smawthorne Link, 51 Beancroft Road, Castleford WF10 5BP.
•Pontefract Diabetes self help group meets on the last Wednesday of the month between 1pm and 3pm at Pontefract Library (upstairs in the community room).
Speaking about the groups EPP coordinator Lynn Daniel said, "We offer mutual support to anyone that has diabetes and to those who help other people with diabetes. Most of our members have diabetes and these monthly meetings give you the opportunity to talk through the issues that concern us. We offer support to help manage diabetes based on our own shared experience.
"Health professionals attend the groups to talk about important issues affecting diabetics including retinal screening, weight management and blood glucose control. Anyone is welcome to attend to find out more in a relaxed, friendly environment."
For more information about the self help groups call EPP coordinator Lynn Daniel on 01977 665732
More information about the Trust including how to become a member can be found online at www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk