Help others by becoming a Diabetes Community Champion in Slough
Diabetes UK is recruiting for ‘Diabetes Community Champions’ from all sections of the community in Slough
Diabetes UK is recruiting for ‘Diabetes Community Champions’ from all sections of the community in Slough.
Commissioners in East Berkshire have teamed up with Diabetes UK to run a community project aimed at increasing awareness, prevention and self-management of diabetes.
As a Community Champion, you will help to educate and raise awareness of diabetes and Diabetes UK by organising local events as well as delivering presentations and talks.
You will be able to explain what Type 2 diabetes is, who is at risk, signs and symptoms, myths and misconceptions, complications and the NHS services that are available to people locally.
You will inspire others to help reduce their risk of diabetes or to manage their diabetes better.
Champions may be individuals with Type 2 diabetes, carers for individuals with Type 2 diabetes or those who are passionate about community-based health promotion work.
Krishna Sarda, Engaging Communities Manager from Diabetes UK, said: "We are delighted to have been commissioned by East Berkshire CCG to run the Community Champions programme in Slough."
He added: “Community Champions are our ambassadors at a local level. They bridge the gap between local communities and healthcare settings, signpost people to services, and engage with communities to help them understand their risk of diabetes and actions to take, whilst helping those diagnosed to get better health outcomes”
A two-day training course will be made available to all recruited Champions by Diabetes UK.
East Berkshire’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Associate Director for Planned Care, Sangeeta Saran, said: “Diabetes is a significant and growing healthcare issue especially in Slough.
“A good understanding of how to live with diabetes and intensive management at an early stage can significantly reduce the complications associated with this illness, and pressure on some health care services."
She added: “We know that Community Champions elsewhere in the country have had a positive impact on the lives of others which is why we would like to introduce the programme in Slough, where there is a high percentage of people living with diabetes.”
If you are interested in becoming a Champion, you can either email communitychampions@diabetes.org.uk, call 0800 138 1639 or apply on-line.
