The effects of diabetes can be devastating but most people across the UK don’t understand what diabetes is, how serious it is and how to avoid it.
Our event and speaker volunteers like Jodie raise awareness to ensure diabetes is more widely understood and continue to keep it in the public spotlight so that governments and health bodies listen and take action.
What do you do?
Help promote Diabetes UK throughout Manchester, encourage and support students with diabetes.
What attracted you to start volunteering?
I have Type 1 diabetes myself and believed that volunteering would be a good way to help support others who also have diabetes, whilst meeting new people along the way. When initially beginning volunteering, I didn’t really know what to expect and it has provided a lot of opportunities that I hadn’t even considered myself.
What do you enjoy most about your volunteering role?
I really enjoy meeting new people and discussing new ideas with others who are just as enthusiastic about supporting those with diabetes as me. It is really satisfying to be a part of something that can really help others.
What difference has volunteering made to you?
Volunteering has made a massive difference for me. I have undertaken tasks that I would never have normally taken on myself, because of the support that is provided. Whilst volunteering, I have initiated a group to help support students throughout Manchester. This has massively improved my communication skills as I have been required to collaborate with many people. It’s been a great way to develop those skills that are vital to any type of employment, whilst undertaking it in an area that’s important to you.
What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering with us?
If anyone is thinking of volunteering then definitely do it. The roles are extremely flexible and if you have any particular interest or ideas that you think may help, then its creates a great platform from which to do this. I have volunteered whilst studying at university and it has been massively flexible to suit my own timetable. You are continually provided with support and guidance from staff to other volunteers. It is also extremely helpful if you suffer from diabetes yourself. It can help you deal with your own concerns whilst supporting others, and provides a great way to learn new ways to cope.
Go back to Volunteers' Week page or find out more about our speaker and events volunteer roles.
