Two groups of volunteers, who have tirelessly raised awareness about diabetes, have jointly won a volunteering award from leading charity Diabetes UK NI.
Coleraine Diabetes UK NI Support Group and Coleraine Parent support Group won the Local Group and Community award for their dedicated work to help people living with diabetes in the area. The two groups have been busy rolling out a calendar of events for people living with diabetes as well as working together to raise awareness, offering invaluable peer support and fundraising for diabetes research.
The groups were among a total of 13 Inspire Award winners who were celebrated during an online winners’ ceremony on Thursday 26th November.
The Inspire Awards celebrate Diabetes UK NI’s dedicated volunteers and health professionals who campaign to improve the quality of care available to people with diabetes, fundraise for pioneering research and raise awareness to stem the rising tide of diabetes.
Speaking on behalf of the Coleraine Diabetes UK NI Support Group, Secretary Alastair Smith said: “This esteemed accolade is testament to our group’s dedication to raising awareness of diabetes in our local area and offering support to those living with diabetes and those living with someone who has it.”
He added: ”We have a fantastic collaborative relationship with the Coleraine Parents Support Group when it comes to sharing information, organising events and fundraising and we are all delighted to have been recognised as valued volunteers playing an important part in the Diabetes UK NI family.”
Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed well, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications. With the right treatment, knowledge and support people living with diabetes can lead a long, full and healthy life.
Tina McCrossan, National Director of Diabetes UK NI, said: ”Both of these groups are fantastic examples of how so many of our volunteer groups are embedded in our communities, helping people living with diabetes in their area.
“These two groups have worked selflessly to ensure that people have the support and information they need to manage their diabetes. This in turn helps make their lives easier.”
She added: “Our volunteers are out there working hard in the community day in and day out. Our much-needed work wouldn’t be possible without their incredible support and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of our volunteers who make an enormous difference through their support.”
Coleraine Support Group meets monthly and can be contacted on 07533 722781 or at colerainediabetes@gmail.com for further information.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer for Diabetes UK NI, or to join a local support group, please email nivolunteering@diabetes.org.uk or call 0746 9154 823.
For up to date information or for support, visit diabetes.org.uk
