Here at Diabetes UK Northern Ireland, we organised an event on Saturday, 24 February, which brought people from all over Northern Ireland together to share experiences and identify ways that the local diabetes community can make change happen.
At the ‘Make Change Happen’ event Jillian Patchett, Diabetes UK National Director in Northern Ireland, revealed that Click Energy has selected Diabetes UK Northern Ireland as its charity of the year for 2018.
As part of the partnership, Click Energy will be sponsoring the upcoming Inspire Awards with Click Energy which will be held in Belfast in June. The awards acknowledge volunteers for their contributions and highlight the positive difference their work has made to the lives of people who are living with diabetes.
Jillian said: “We are delighted to officially open the nominations for the Inspire Awards at our ‘Make Change Happen’ event. Every year we receive dozens of nominations about people who are making a positive difference, whether that is providing support, organising imaginative fundraising activities, campaigning on a particular diabetes issue or helping us raise awareness. It is so inspiring hearing these stories and it is a wonderful opportunity to put a spotlight on people, who deserve recognition for all that they do.
“We know there are over 100,000 people living with diabetes in Northern Ireland and we know that everyone has their own story to tell – let us know who you think deserves an Inspire Award and we will be looking forward to our award ceremony taking place in June when we can celebrate together.”
There are a number of award categories to choose from this year that will allow as many people as possible to be represented. It is easy to get involved and nominate someone online in minutes.
Damian Wilson, Managing Director of Click Energy, was in attendance to officially open the nominations for the Inspire Awards with Click Energy. A new addition to the awards this year is the Click Energy ‘Unsung Hero Award’. This award will champion local healthcare professionals who have gone above and beyond their role in providing help for patients living with diabetes.
After the event, Damian commented, “We are honoured to be supporting the 2018 Diabetes UK Northern Ireland’s Inspire Awards with Click Energy.
“As the parent of a child with diabetes, I fully understand the importance of the work that Diabetes UK Northern Ireland delivers and how instrumental the contribution of volunteers is to supporting people living with diabetes.
“In addition to acknowledging the huge role that these volunteers and groups play in society, our hope is that it will ‘inspire’ others to get involved with Diabetes UK Northern Ireland.”
Find out more about the Inspire Award categories, or nominate someone. Nominations will close Friday 13 April 2018.
