This is the 7th Edition of our newsletter for volunteers. It is July, which means summer is in full swing! Here you can read about ways to get involved with Diabetes UK this summer and beyond, as well as our exciting Big Event coming up in September. We also share with you a staff update, some information about services we offer for people living with diabetes, and much more!
As always, thanks for reading and - more importantly - thank you for donating your time and making a difference in the lives of people with or at risk of diabetes.
Elizabeth Rowley
Volunteering Development Coordinator
Voluntary Groups Review Reaches its Conclusion
Read an update from Head of Volunteering, Andre Carvalho, about the final steps in the Voluntary Groups Review that has been looking at how we can improve the way that we engage and support all our voluntary groups across the UK. He tells us that he looks forward to meeting some of the groups in October and November.
Volunteers' Week
This event runs annually from 1 to 7 June 2013 and is organized in recognition of the 24 million volunteers giving up their time across the UK. As part of this, we did our best to recognize the fantastic impact of our volunteers. All of us here at Diabetes UK are constantly overwhelmed and amazed at the support and commitment provided by all volunteers. Read more about the week here.
The Big Event
The Big Event is coming soon! This year, the Big Event will be held on Saturday, 14 September 2013. This national event is for everyone affected by Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, whether you’re newly diagnosed, need a refresher, or you’re a parent or carer. Read about this exciting event and all that's involved here!
Staff Update
We’ve recently added a new member of staff to the Volunteering Development Team in the central London office. Elizabeth Rowley is now the Volunteering Development Coordinator. Read about Elizabeth here.
Talk to Someone with Diabetes
Make sure to spread the word about our service, which was previously called the peer support service and is now called Talk to Someone with Diabetes. Our team of volunteers with first-hand experience are on hand to talk about diagnosis, complications, or even balancing diabetes with work, family or having a social life - simply offering the opportunity to talk to someone who understands and who has been there themselves. Further information about the service can be found here.
Type 2 Diabetes and Me
We are excited to announce the launch of ‘Type 2 Diabetes and Me’ – our new online learning programme for people with Type 2 diabetes. Find out all about this free e-learning programme here.
Can you help us make a difference this October?
We need your support to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to help everyone with diabetes. If you can spare 3 hours of your time on 4, 5 or 6 October, you can be one of the 8,000 volunteers we’re looking for to help us with our Big Collection at one of 600 Tesco stores across the UK. We’re aiming to raise over £400,000 over the weekend – but we need your expert help to do it. Want to help out? Visit our site for more info and details on how to join the Big Collection team.
Policy Update
Find out about the latest updates from diabetes policy. Diabetes Voices sums up the successes of the children's lobby at Westminster as well as the status of the Children and Families Bill, which is pushing for better support for children with health conditions in schools.
Research Update
Read the latest from the Diabetes UK Research team here! They inform us about the Type 1 vaccine, updates on the artificial pancreas, and the exciting launch of the new Diabetes UK Research web site.
How do I recieve a copy of Involve?
Involve is sent to all Diabetes UK volunteers. If you are a volunteer with Diabetes UK and you have not recieved a copy, please get in touch with the Volunteer Development Team by email volunteering@diabetes.org.uk or phone 020 7424 1000.
Is Involve available in alternative formats?
Involve is sent to all Diabetes UK volunteers by email. If you don't use email we will post you a copy. It is also available in large print and audio versions. If you would like to recieve Involve in a different format, please contact the Volunteer Development Team by email volunteering@diabetes.org.uk or phone 020 7424 1000.