Low levels of understanding mean many people don’t know the best way to live well with diabetes. Our local groups help provide practical support to those living with diabetes and help people with diabetes connect with each other to share advice and emotional support.
Marylin, who has been volunteering as a secretary for the West Lothian group shares her story.
What do you enjoy most about your volunteering role?
Meeting other people, finding out about them and how I can support them. I love the variety the role brings.
What difference has volunteering made to you?
It has increased my confidence and enhanced my social skills as I am meeting lots of other people outside of my normal environment.
Tell us about the impact you have on people that attend the group meetings
They feel more supported and able to come to me for support in managing their diabetes. I think I have given others more confidence and helped them regarding their social engagement, through our walking group. In recent months, I have seen a big increase in Healthcare professionals coming to me for information on diabetes and support.
What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering with us?
Do it. You will get a great deal of satisfaction from being a volunteer.
Go back to Volunteers' Week webpage or find out more about our local support groups.
