Focus on Diabetes

A guide to working with black and minority ethnic communities in Scotland living with long-term conditions

A major new guide has been published to help people from minority ethnic communities in Scotland who are living with long-term conditions.

'Focus on Diabetes: A guide to working with black and minority ethnic communities in Scotland living with long-term conditions' offers Scotland’s healthcare professionals information and practical approaches to working with minority ethnic communities who are affected by conditions such as arthritis, epilepsy, asthma and diabetes.

Jointly produced by Diabetes UK Scotland and the National Resource Centre for Ethnic Minority Health, the guide was launched on 14 March 2007 at the Diabetes UK Annual Professional Conference at the SECC in Glasgow.

“Minority ethnic communities are among the most vulnerable to the impact of living with a long-term condition," said Audrey Birt, Director of Diabetes UK Scotland.

"With diabetes, for example, people from minority ethnic communities are up to six times more likely to develop the condition than white people. That is why the guide is particularly focused on diabetes. The lessons in the diabetes field, however, can be applied across the range of conditions.

"The information in this pack is intended as a starting point for health professionals. Some have already made that start and this guide should be a support to them. For others, it offers building blocks which will help them to engage in ways which are culturally appropriate and sensitive.

"It is vital now that the health service in Scotland commits energy and resources to working with people in these particularly vulnerable communities.”

The aims of the pack are to:

• provide an integrated toolkit covering long-term conditions
• provide useful information for frontline staff working with minority ethnic communities
• help develop sensitivity and cultural competence
• give guidance on useful resources and where to get further information.

You can order a copy by contacting Diabetes UK Scotland on 0141 245 6380 or by emailing scotland@diabetes.org.uk.