Volunteer Spotlight – September 2025 – Joseph Boamah

Joseph has been a volunteer with us since October 2024, balancing his volunteering while he studied for a MSc in diabetes at the University of Chester.

With a medical background, having trained as a Sonographer, it was through his work that Joseph became interested in diabetes research.

He also has a personal connection to the cause with family members living with diabetes and would like to help more people to know their risk of type 2 diabetes earlier. Joseph has found out that he is at higher risk due to his family history.

I do have close family members living with type 2 diabetes, including my father, cousins, aunts and uncles. That personal connection is a big part of why I am so committed to this work. I also sadly lost an uncle to diabetes-related complications. I have seen first-hand how diabetes affects daily life, not just medically, but emotionally and socially.

"It really highlighted to me how important early awareness, education and support are for type 2 diabetes. It has also shown me the difference that compassionate, patient-centred care can make for individuals and families."

Motivations for getting involved

Joseph’s motivation for volunteering stems from his belief that “the greatest measure of who we are is what we love and how we spend our time.” For him, that means giving time to supporting others, adding value to their lives, and having a sense of purpose.

Encouraged by a friend already volunteering with us, Joseph applied to be a volunteer and hasn’t looked back since, sharing information and raising awareness in his community.

Learning through volunteering

Despite his medical training, Joseph is quick to say that volunteering at Diabetes UK has taught him new and unexpected things.

He explains that a large part of this has been the induction and training he has received, led by our Engaging Communities Officer in the North of England, Vanessa. Joseph has also learned from attending online workshops and community outreach events.

“It’s been brilliant. Vanessa has helped me to be more human when it comes to diabetes,” he shares. 

“I’ve learned how to speak to people, understand them, and support them - even when conversations are difficult.”

Making a difference

Joseph is an Impact Volunteer with us. This is a flexible role that involves carrying out small actions that make a big difference to people affected by diabetes.

As an Impact Volunteer, Joseph uses social media to amplify Diabetes UK’s messages, sharing research updates, awareness campaigns, and educational content. For Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week, he creates posts on LinkedIn, Instagram and his WhatsApp status to share our videos and signpost to our website for more information.

Helping others find out their risk of type 2 diabetes

One of the highlights of volunteering for Joseph is sharing the online Know Your Risk tool. By answering a few questions which takes just a couple of minutes, people can find out their risk of developing type 2 diabetes immediately. 

“It's fulfilling to know I am helping people understand something that could change their lives,” he says.

He wants to help others to know about it especially if they have a family background of diabetes, "One thing I love about the tool is when you know your risk, it tells you what this means and what to do next.

"In my family and close friends, it helped spark conversations that might not have happened otherwise. For some relatives it provided reassurance, for others it encouraged them to speak with their healthcare team or make small changes to their daily habits."

"I found the Know Your Risk tool really helpful as a proactive way to assess my individual risk, as I have a genetic predisposition which places me at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It feels like more than just a risk calculator.

"It is a preventative health guide that empowers individuals with the knowledge and direction needed to understand their vulnerability and take meaningful action to help prevent type 2 diabetes."

Looking ahead

Joseph is particularly passionate about supporting people diagnosed with prediabetes. When he has volunteered at events in the community, he’s noticed a gap in information and guidance and is advocating for more structured support. “Having prediabetes doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop type 2 diabetes,” he explains. “With the right help, it can be prevented.”

"I believe prevention is more effective when it’s personalised, culturally sensitive, and supported by accessible resources. It’s not just about telling people what to do and what not to do. It’s about helping them understand why it matters and how to make changes that feel realistic and sustainable to them.

"The more we can normalise conversations about risk, early detection and support, the more people we can reach before long-term complications of type 2 develop."

Joseph plans to continue both as an Impact Volunteer and as a volunteer in his local community. He is keen to get involved with our community groups and hopes to contribute to our research efforts in the future. 

When asked what he would say to others thinking of volunteering, he says “we spend so much time on social media now - why not use it to help someone else? Micro-volunteering is one of the most fulfilling things you can do.”

If Joseph’s story has inspired you to get involved, take a look at our at our volunteering opportunities.