Adjusting to the knowledge that you or a member of your family has diabetes takes time and it is often helpful to meet other people who live with diabetes and have been through a similar situation. They can offer understanding, help and support at an important time. A good way of finding this help is to join a local support group - one of our Diabetes UK voluntary groups.
Groups in your area
The voluntary groups in Northern Ireland are all run voluntarily by people living with diabetes. Voluntary groups can offer you local information and support, and the chance to meet other people who live with diabetes. Voluntary groups can also offer you the opportunity to get involved in a range of activities from fundraising for diabetes research to influencing healthcare locally.
All groups welcome new members - if you'd like more information about any of the following groups please email voluntarygroups@diabetes.org.uk We also have family support groups, which cater for children with diabetes and their parents.
Find your local group
View the full listing of groups in Nothern Ireland.
No local group?
If there isn't a voluntary group in your area the Voluntary Groups Team can provide you with help and resources to set one up - please send an email, including your full postcode, to voluntarygroups@diabetes.org.uk.
President of Diabetes UK comes to Northern Ireland
We are pleased to announce that Richard Lane OBE, President of Diabetes UK, will be visiting Northern Ireland for the 3rd time this year. After visiting mid Ulster and Londonderry. He will be joining us on the 12th September 2012 in the Clarion Hotel, Carrickfergus at 8pm.
Richard was elected as the charity’s new President in 2008. At the age 68 and with Type 1 diabetes, he was one of the first people in the UK to receive islet cell transplants in 2004. The surgery came after a long history of diabetes-related complications, including comas and severe hypoglycaemic episodes (hypos). The transplants where a complete success and made Richard officially classified for a year as ’Insulin Independent‘. Although he is now on an insulin pump, the transplants have transformed his life and he has not had a serious hypo since his first operation.
Richard, who formerly held the position of Vice President at Diabetes UK, has been a great advocate for the charity. He has spent much of his free time travelling the country undertaking public speaking at local community meetings and conferences to raise awareness of the condition and the work of Diabetes UK.
Please confirm attendance with Gill as spaces are limited.