Milton Keynes’ local diabetes group who have campaigned tirelessly over the years for better diabetes services locally have won a volunteering award from leading charity Diabetes UK.
Reaching Out and Connecting Award
The local group were presented with the Reaching Out and Connecting Award in recognition of their hard work, at the charity’s regional Inspire Awards, held in Epsom.
The group were recognised for their work in raising awareness of diabetes in the local BME community by helping to train 17 Health Ambassadors and increase local reach. The group have managed through peer support meetings to connect with a 1000 people locally.
Milton Keynes resident Julie Pope, aged 50, is a committee member and has had Type 1 Diabetes for 31 years. Julie said: “Diabetes can be a very isolating condition so it’s vital to reach out and reassure people that they are not on their own.”
Service Champion
Committee member Corinne Wykes, 63, from Emerson Valley, also volunteers as a Diabetes UK Service Champion in Milton Keynes. Corinne said: “This award is an honour for everyone involved in the group. We work hard to ensure that diabetes care and services remain high on the NHS agenda in Milton Keynes. Engaging with diverse members of our local community is an important part of our work.”
Jill Steaton, South East Regional Manager at Diabetes UK said: “The Milton Keynes group are committed and passionate about supporting people with diabetes. Julie, Corinne and everyone involved with the group have worked hard the past year to raise awareness about preventing diabetes in BME groups and they can be proud of their achievements.
“Our volunteers are out there working hard in the community day in and day out. Our much-needed work wouldn’t be possible without their incredible support and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of our volunteers who make an enormous difference through their support.”
The Inspire Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding individuals as well as group volunteer efforts. The winners are chosen by judging panels across the UK and are presented with their award at regional Make a Difference conferences before going forward to be judged for the UK-wide Inspire Awards which will be presented in summer 2017
