For Eleanor, volunteering isn’t just something she does, it’s part of who she is. “I like volunteering because it makes me feel content with what I’ve done,” she says. “I just like helping others and being there for people.” That simple motivation has shaped years of service in her church, her community, and now with Diabetes UK.

A Lifelong Volunteer

Eleanor’s volunteering journey began long before she joined Diabetes UK. At her church, she has taken on a wide range of roles: caring for children, leading the Pathfinder group for 4–16‑year‑olds, organising events, teaching life skills, and supporting people who are unwell. She also volunteers through her church’s Health Ministries team, where she helps run health‑focused activities and events.

So, when she came across the opportunity to volunteer with Diabetes UK, it felt like a natural extension of what she was already doing. “We always use Diabetes UK information at our events,” she explains. “Talking about health and sharing resources fits perfectly with the work we do.”

Five events, hundreds reached

Over the past few months, Eleanor has led an impressive programme of diabetes awareness events, five in total, each designed to educate, empower and support her community.

It began with a grant‑funded street party focused on diabetes awareness, offering diabetes screening, blood pressure and cardiovascular checks, pre-diabetes testing and nutrition advice.

Local people passing by joined in, and more than 80 attendees took part. “We wanted to help people understand their health and reduce their risks,” Eleanor says.

Following on from the event, Eleanor lead on a Family Diabetes Support & Wellness Day in March 2026. This was a child‑friendly session with type 1 and type 2 awareness, activities for children and adult wellness workshops allowing parents to try out simple exercises.

Eleanor’s next event was a Diabetes Awareness Day in April, featuring Dr Kosolu and DigiBete, which included advice from a dietician, Diabetes UK information and Reed Wellbeing, offering Know Your Risk assessments. 

A Practical Nutrition and Public Health Workshop followed. Supported by Doncaster Public Health Team the event involved a live cooking demonstration and Eleanor led a workshop on understanding food labels. 

The final event in this series was a holistic health celebration event themed around: Choices, Exercise, Liquid, Environment, Belief, Rest, Air, Temperance, Integrity, Optimism and Nutrition, an acronym for celebration.

With plant‑based food, a bouncy castle, exercise activities, and more diabetes assessments from Reed Wellbeing.

There were over 300 attendees across all the events, including many who were not church members but joined after seeing the activities happening in their community.

Leading with purpose

Eleanor was the lead organiser for the entire programme, a role she takes seriously. “There’s a lot of background work,” she says. “Risk assessments, event plans, finding resources, looking after equipment, talking to doctors and presenters. You need to keep to the plan and meet deadlines, or it won’t come together.”

Her dedication paid off. The events ran smoothly, attracted strong attendance, and created a welcoming space for people to learn about diabetes and healthy living.

Making a real difference

Eleanor has seen firsthand how her volunteering benefits people living with diabetes. “People learned so much from the activities,” she says. “They saw different foods from different cultures, asked questions to the doctor, and understood their condition better.”

Children learned the 4Ts of type 1 diabetes, helping spread life‑saving awareness through families and the wider community. Several attendees were also signposted to their GP after being identified as potentially at risk of type 2 diabetes.

Looking ahead

Eleanor’s volunteering journey is far from over. She has already been invited to support a women’s wellbeing event and is excited to continue developing new skills and meeting new people. “In volunteering, I’m gaining other skills,” she says. “You know who to approach and where to go. You’re given choices because there are loads of things you can do.”

Her message to others

Eleanor encourages anyone considering volunteering to give it a try. “Volunteering is good because you gain skills, you learn a lot, and you get involved in many things,” she says. “You meet different people and have more exposure. It’s really rewarding.”

If you’ve been inspired by Eleanor’s story, you can see our volunteering opportunities on our website.

I'm an expert by experience in one of Diabetes UK's Diabetes Research Steering Groups (DRSGs) and the Diabetes Inclusion Community Engagement (DICE) group. 

I have been a member of DRSG1 (which focuses on causes of diabetes) for over two years. I have learned so much since being diagnosed with diabetes - especially about the different types of diabetes, and the need to develop preventative medicine and make life better for people living with diabetes. 

I am also part of DICE. I am really fortunate to have great access to diabetes care and support from my local team of consultants and practitioners. But I am aware that so many in the UK don't have the same. Being part of DICE allows us to reach out to different communities, especially those with language barriers, to share our knowledge and experiences. 

I feel really grateful that I can be part of Diabetes UK's volunteering team and can try to help others where possible, give a voice to day-to-day life with diabetes, and be part of change. I have also shared my diabetes diagnosis story in Diabetes UK's Balance magazine and been part of the charity's campaigns. 

Muhammad has been a Community Champion with us for 6 years. He shares what volunteering means to him and how he has raised awareness of the importance of diabetes health checks.

Motivations for volunteering

My motivation to volunteer for Diabetes UK comes from a very personal place. Coming from a South Asian background, I have seen first-hand how common diabetes is within our communities and how deeply it can affect families.

Ten years ago, my father was diagnosed with diabetes. Over time, this led to congestive cardiac failure as a result of diabetic cardiomyopathy. I still remember being by his side in the intensive care unit, watching him courageously and patiently fighting through a serious cardiac complication. Thankfully, with God’s grace and the right treatment and medication, he continues to manage his condition well today.

That experience changed me. It made me realise how important early awareness and education are in preventing type 2 diabetes and its potential complications. I decided that no son should have to see his father go through what mine did, and no father should have to develop diabetes when it can sometimes be prevented. That belief became the driving force behind my journey into volunteering with Diabetes UK and why I want to make a difference in the lives of others.

Becoming a Diabetes UK volunteer

My journey into volunteering with Diabetes UK really began long before I joined the organisation. Coming from a background in public health medicine, I have always been passionate about health education and health promotion, and over the years, I have had the privilege of working with a number of UK-based charities. But the real turning point came thanks to my fellow Community Champion, Mr Rafiq, who introduced me to Diabetes UK.

At the time, I was searching for a meaningful platform to contribute to diabetes awareness, which was a cause I felt deeply connected to. Diabetes UK offered me exactly that. I attended my first volunteer training session in 2019, and from that moment onwards, I never looked back.

Since then, I have had the pleasure of working alongside an incredible group of volunteers and Community Champions. Together, we have created opportunities to engage with communities, spark conversations, and ultimately make a difference in how people understand and manage diabetes.

Helping people to access better diabetes care

Supporting people to access diabetes essential care has genuinely become one of the most fulfilling aspects of my volunteering. I have had the privilege of working closely with Steph, our Engaging Communities Officer, to reach communities across Slough and Windsor, and I have also partnered with the South East Coast and London team. Together, we have been committed to helping people understand their diabetes more clearly and encouraging them to take up regular diabetes health checks.

Although these checks are straightforward, their impact is enormous. They pick up early warning signs, prevent complications, and empower people to live healthier, more confident lives. Sadly, many still miss out, which is exactly why our role as volunteers matters so much.

To make health checks more accessible, I collaborated with a local health team last year to bring a mobile health clinic directly to employees at the Progress Business Centre in Slough. The turnout exceeded expectations, with many individuals receiving checks they had been delaying for far too long.

My background in health and social care management has also enabled me to support care homes and extra care schemes across Slough, Windsor, and London. I initiated a ‘Diabetes Ready’ campaign and managed to reach over 75 elderly residents and care workers. It was encouraging to see how many of them felt more informed and confident afterwards, and even more inspiring to witness some make meaningful, life-enhancing changes to their daily habits.

Stand out highlights and successes

There have been many memorable moments during my time with Diabetes UK, but a few stand out.

One moment that has stayed with me was supporting an elderly gentleman with diabetes. He loved drinking regular cola (sugary carbonated drink) each day. Through a gentle, person-centred conversation, alongside guidance from his nutritionist, we explored simple alternatives that still honoured his preferences. He agreed to try diet cola, and with steady encouragement over the following months, his HbA1c improved so significantly that his doctor reduced his Metformin dose by half. Seeing his pride and renewed confidence was incredibly moving, and it reminded me that meaningful change often begins with one compassionate conversation and a shared willingness to try something new.

Another memorable moment was when I was invited by a local charity in Slough to deliver a talk on Ramadan and diabetes. After the session, one of the attendees approached me to specially thank me for delivering such an insightful session. She shared that she had been living with diabetes for years, yet had never fully realised how important early preparation and awareness were, especially during Ramadan. 

Hearing how the session had given her clarity, confidence, and a sense of reassurance was incredibly humbling, and it reinforced why culturally tailored education can have such a profound impact.

A further highlight was the overwhelmingly positive response to the mobile health clinic I helped organise at the Progress Business Centre in Slough. One attendee shared feedback that truly stayed with me: “I really appreciated this initiative as it gave me the chance to finally check on my health, which I had put off for too long. With how busy life gets, activities like this help us identify issues early and take action. I hope it becomes a regular service.” Hearing this reinforced just how impactful it can be when we take health services directly into workplaces and make preventative care easier, more accessible, and part of everyday life.

Future plans for volunteering at Diabetes UK

I absolutely plan to continue volunteering! My commitment to this cause continues to grow, and I am excited about what lies ahead.

I am eager to take part in more community initiatives, spreading awareness and championing local support. One of my biggest aspirations is to help establish a local Diabetes Action Alliance and a Diabetes Support Group for people in Slough to offer spaces where individuals can access support, share experiences, and build confidence in managing their condition.

I have also begun working closely with our Engaging Communities Officer, Steph, to deliver diabetes organisational training across workplaces. I am keen to continue to expand this, ensuring that major employers in Slough prioritise diabetes awareness and support their workforce effectively.

Ultimately, my hope is to help create a community where diabetes awareness is embedded, health checks are normalised, and every person feels empowered to manage their condition.

If you’ve been inspired by Muhammad’s story, you can find out more about volunteering and raising awareness of diabetes health checks. 

Six months since it started, the Southport and Ormskirk Diabetes Support Group has grown from just six members to more than 20 regular attendees. “It’s grown wonderfully well – it’s amazing,” Peter says. “It’s so inspirational to see it grow the way it has.”

A community hub

The group meets at a welcoming local pub which is a community hub for many groups in the area. The pub, which Peter describes as “the perfect venue”, kindly offers the space free of charge. “The pub plays a big part. We don’t want to charge people a subscription,” says Linda, who supports Peter with running the group. “It would be off-putting for some people.” Members only pay for their own refreshments, making the group accessible to all. The group welcomes people of all different ages and experiences with diabetes.

Support and shared experiences

Meetings are informal and friendly. “When new people come in, we give them a chance to talk about their journey,” Peter explains. “That helps – people can be shy at first, but most people want to get things off their chest.” Linda agrees and adds: “We’re a very nurturing group. People use it for the time they need, and that’s fine. They can leave and come back.”

Linda, who worked in NHS Children’s Services for almost thirty years, brings a passion for the prevention and remission of type 2 diabetes. “I wanted to widen the reach of information, education and support” she says.

Highlights and success stories

Peter and Linda acknowledge that a large part of the group’s success has come from how well they work together. “We’re a good team” Peter says. “We talk all the time.”

Peter and Linda are particularly pleased with how the group supports people who are newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Members share what has worked for them, and the information resources they’ve found helpful.

The group has already had some encouraging feedback from its members. One member shared:

“Congratulations to each and every one of you. You are fundamentally changing lives. I’ve lost over 10 kilograms; I feel heaps better and I’ve been able to start running again—and I’m 70 in January!”

Social events have also helped members bond. “I was hesitant about doing a social,” Linda admits, “but it went brilliantly.” The group are now planning at least two socials a year, balancing these with information sharing sessions on topics such as nutrition and exercise.

Reaching Out

The group is committed to tackling inequity, which is one of our ambitions at Diabetes UK. Linda recently volunteered at an event with the Southport African and Caribbean Heritage Association, sharing Diabetes UK resources tailored for African and Caribbean communities. “It was a lovely family event,” she recalls. “I handed out resources and said, ‘We’ve got this support group!’”

Looking Ahead

Peter and Linda would like to continue to grow the group and connect with other community groups in the area. 

Plans for 2026 include sessions focused on footcare, the benefits of movement and exercise, sharing stories from people living with diabetes and stress management.

Finally, what would they say to anyone thinking of joining the group? “Come and join us,” says Peter. “We’ll make you very welcome.” Linda adds “we are there to support everyone."

If you live in the Southport and Ormskirk area, you can find out more about the group on their webpage: Southport and Ormskirk Community Group.

If Peter and Linda have inspired you to volunteer, you can find out more about volunteering with us here.

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.