North West Roadshow Volunteers Awarded
The 2012 Roadshows were a huge success visiting a variety of locations across the UK including 14 locations across the North West. During the 2012 Roadshow season more than 21,000 members of the public received a risk assessment and nearly 11,000 people where referred onto their GP.
Our dedicated and committed team of North West volunteers did a brilliant job at our North West Roadshows. Rain or shine they would be there raising awareness of diabetes & Diabetes UK and encouraging members of the North West public to undertake a risk assessment.
The contribution that the North West team of volunteers gave to the 2012 Roadshows was recognised through an award presented for “The most risk assessments completed and the highest amount of GP referrals”. This is an amazing achievement and goes some way to highlighting the immeasurable support we receive from our volunteers...THANK YOU!
Children’s Group Networking Day
Cotton Court, Preston, 6 April 2013
Our Children’s Group Networking day saw some of our fantastic North West Children’s Voluntary groups come together to share ideas, achievements, ask questions as well as get an update from us about the second phase of the children’s campaign and the Tesco Partnership.
We heard about the amazing work that our children’s groups have been doing to support the children’s campaign such as displaying 4T’s posters, appearing in their local newspaper and talking about the 4T’s on BBC Radio Manchester.
The campaigning doesn’t stop there though and we asked everybody to pledge as groups and individuals about how they are going to be supporting the children’s campaign and the Tesco Partnership in 2013 so watch this space.
Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde Children's Support Group Awareness Event
Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde Children's Support Group held its first Diabetes Awareness Event on Saturday 21st January 2012 at The Hilton Blackpool.
Over 80 people, with experience of Type 1 diabetes, attended and stalls were run by various pharmaceutical companies. BBC Radio 4 also attended in order to learn more about Type 1 diabetes and meet people living with the condition.
Kyle,9, Blackpool & Claudia, 10, Preston
Victoria says, “Attendees not only networked and looked around the stalls, but they also enjoyed the experiences of several inspiring speakers who have lived life to the full while managing their diabetes.” Speakers, included:
- Jill Ashton who spoke on the use of insulin including insulin pump therapy.
- Mark Blewitt spoke on the challenges he has given himself and his determination to reach his goals. Mark has Type 1 Diabetes and wears a pump.
- John Pemberton gave an informative and entertaining talk on dietetics and carbohydrate counting followed by sport and Type 1 Diabetes. Both talks were a reminder that life is not just about your HbA1C but about a healthy lifestyle and taking control of your own condition. John also has Type1 Diabetes and wears a pump.
- Robert Ellis, a young man who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes aged 7, gave a light-hearted speech which included many aspects of growing up with the condition. Robert manages his Diabetes with Multiple Daily Injections (MDI).
Victoria continues, “Attendees left very positive feedback: they enjoyed hearing from people who actually have Type 1 diabetes and felt that the event was very informative on the key issues that people living with Type 1 diabetes face every day.”
“This meeting would not have been possible without the work of the Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde Children’s Support Group Committee and the support of Diabetes UK North West for their belief that we could run this event, Diabetes Power, The pharmaceutical representatives and the JDRF. But, most importantly a big thank you to everyone who attended – we couldn’t have done it without you!”
Carlisle Cathedral Floral Tribute
The hard work and dedication of the members of Carlisle and District Voluntary group has been brought to life through a beautiful floral display outside Carlisle City Cathedral.
Each year individuals, groups and organisations write to Carlisle Council in the hope that the flower bed will be dedicated to their particular cause. This year, thanks to their perseverance through many letters over many years, it was the turn of Carlisle and District Voluntary group to be depicted in the flowery tribute.
Let us hope that the flowerbed highlights and helps to raise awareness about the work of Diabetes UK to the people of Carlisle.
We would like to say a big thank you to the Carlisle and District Voluntary group and to the Carlisle Council gardeners for their skilful recreation of the Diabetes UK logo in flowers.
David Backhouse receives Nabarro Medal
We are delighted to announce that volunteer, David Backhouse, has been presented with the Nabarro medal at our recent Manchester Healthy Lifestyle Roadshow by the Deputy Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Elaine Boyes.
David said, "I feel proud that I have managed to survive 50 years of living with Type 1 diabetes; special thanks go to my professional health care team for their support and to Diabetes UK for their help and advice."
The Nabarro Medal is awarded to individuals who have lived with diabetes for 50 years, as a way of recognising the courage and perseverance that they have.
David was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1961 and has been involved with Diabetes UK as a Service User representative for the past 5 years. More recently David has joined the Diabetes UK North West Volunteer team as an events volunteer and is involved in, raising awareness of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes at our Healthy Lifestyle Roadshows and other awareness events that take place throughout the year.
Jo Cunnah, Volunteer Development Officer, said "Huge congratulations to David on receiving the Nabarro Medal. On behalf of the North West team I would like to thank David for all his hard work as a volunteer for Diabetes UK, his support is much appreciated."