To help residents better understand the risks linked to diabetes, a number of health representatives visited The Hampton Business Park, United Caribbean Society and The Gurdwara during Diabetes awareness week (12-18 June) to offer helpful tips on healthy eating, keeping active and wellbeing initiatives, as well as providing health checks for many eligible residents.
As Type 2 Diabetes affects more than 24,000 Hounslow residents and more than 31,000 are at risk of developing it. Health data also evidences that people of African-Caribbean, Black African or South Asian descent are two to four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those from a white background.
We know that diabetes can have a big impact on peoples long term health, this is why Diabetes has been identified as a BBP Accelerator project. By working with community groups, we feel this is the best way to directly reach as many residents as possible who are at higher risk of developing this long-term condition. As we want to highlight how residents can manage, live with, or prevent Type 2 Diabetes by making simple diet and lifestyle choices.
Dilo Lalande, Senior Engagement and Equalities Manager (Hounslow and Ealing), NHS North West London, said:
“Involvement and co-production help services to be built around the needs and views of the people who use them - for the people, by the people. The views and experiences of service users, lived experience, carers and stakeholders also provide a voice for those who may not be able to speak for themselves.
“Faith groups make an important contribution to this work through their commitment to service, both with their own members and with wider communities. Faith groups are often able to utilise the enthusiasm of their members as volunteers. Also, some faith groups have members who face health inequalities through a higher risk of some diseases or through difficulties in accessing healthcare.
“By working in collaboration with our faith leaders and places of worship we can empower our communities together with a wealth of knowledge and skills. This is key to helping loved ones – many of whom could be struggling in silence – to reach out and get professional support.”
For more information and prevention advice please visit www.knowdiabetes.org.uk
Full results and outcomes from this engagement activity will be published on this website from July 2023.