Diabetes UK often carries out activities to raise awareness of diabetes and of the work we do to help people with the condition.
Media Campaigns
Diabetes is a complex condition and there is still a lot of work to be done in terms of raising awareness of the condition. Diabetes UK Northern Ireland often use the media to make people aware of the seriousness of diabetes. This often takes one of three forms:
Highlighting complications
This can involve undertaking activity to raise awareness of the complications of diabetes and how they can be avoided e.g. a campaign about retinopathy screening will aim to reduce the number of people missing their screening appointments.
Encouraging early detections
It is estimated that there are currently thousands of people in Northern Ireland who have diabetes but are unaware of it. Diabetes UK Northern Ireland is committed to increasing awareness of the symptoms of diabetes and ensuring anyone who has the condition is diagnosed early and complications are prevented.
Calling for improved services
There are occasions where Diabetes UK Northern Ireland wish to draw attention to an area of diabetes care which we feel could be improved.
Can you help?
In all of the above situations we need people living with diabetes to tell their stories - people are more inclined to listen or read about someone going through the experience than a spokesperson from the charity. If you would like to register your interest please tell us your story or alternatively you can email our Media and Campaigns Manager directly. Any help you give will be greatly appreciated.
Health stands
Diabetes UK Northern Ireland also offer stands manned by the charity or our voluntary groups at external events such as melas, county fairs or health promotion days. From time to time, we also feature events run by other organisations, also helping to raise awareness about diabetes.