The diabetes team in Weymouth and Portland recently held an information day, supported by PPG volunteers. The event, which was held at Redlands Leisure and Community Park, attracted over 750 people who came to browse information stalls, get their blood pressure taken, have a COVID-19 or flu vaccination, watch cookery demonstrations and take part in exercise taster sessions.
This was the first event in the area specifically for people with type 2 diabetes and their loved ones and follows the launch of a webpage in Dorset dedicated to giving information, support and signposting about the condition.
Isi Hooley, Diabetes Specialist Dietitian, said “Weymouth and Portland has the highest proportion of people living with diabetes in Dorset but with the right support and advice people can manage it without it negatively impacting on their lives. I wanted to create an event that was a one-stop-shop for people living with diabetes and their families, where they could get information, talk to health professionals and see demonstrations for healthy cooking and exercise that would benefit them.
When planning for this event I canvassed opinion from people with diabetes in Weymouth & Portland, who overwhelmingly supported an event designed for them so I knew the day would be popular! I approached the PPGs in Weymouth & Portland to support the event and was so pleased nearly 20 people volunteered to help.”
Leslie Senior, a PPG member at Weymouth Bay Medical Practice said “I was pleased to be asked to help out at the diabetes information day and feel I’m doing my bit to help the NHS. My role on the day was to greet people as they came into the event, other volunteers were helping in the car park, the main hall and at the exercise sessions. It was good to work with other likeminded PPG members and was pleased to see so many people coming along to get information on diabetes.”
Patient Participation Groups are run by volunteers and work alongside practice teams within GP surgeries. As well as providing feedback to practices on services and helping get information to the wider patient population, PPGs work on projects that bring health and wellbeing benefits to their fellow patients.
For more information on diabetes support in Dorset.
For more information on PPGs, or email: communication@nhsdorset.nhs.uk
