Educating and reassuring that diabetes is not the end

Educating and reassuring that diabetes is not the end

21 May 2014

ANOTHER season has ended for the highly successful Ballynahinch Diabetes UK voluntary group.

The group, one of 15 support groups in Northern Ireland, recently held its final meeting of the season and held a coffee morning which raised £370 for the charity.

The May meeting had an informal format with plenty of participation from members. Group Secretary, Roberta McCullough, spoke of her role as a volunteer within the charity. 

This includes helping at local events and roadshows, public speaking and also supporting her local Tesco store by being team leader at their Big Collection weekend last autumn.

Tesco has raised £10m for Diabetes UK and another Big Collection event is planned for June 13-15. Ballynahinch group members hope to give their support for this in Newcastle and there are still spaces for collection volunteers for that weekend.

Earlier in the year the charity held a fundraising ball in The City Hall , Belfast raising around £10,000 and Roberta spoke of her enjoyment in being part of this event’s organisation.

Fundraising is a very important aspect of Diabetes UK and money raised goes towards medical research throughout the UK including Queen’s University, Belfast, and the University of Ulster.

To finish the May meeting , the group discussed the positive and negative aspects of being affected by diabetes. Several people said joining the support group and making friends within it was by far a positive aspect of having the condition.

The members also felt keeping up to date by listening to excellent guest speakers throughout the year was beneficial. Discussing with others within the group who also deal with everyday issues in regard to a change of diet and lifestyle gives great support and the evenings always end on a light hearted note, in part due to excellent suppers provided by Jean, Rae and Irene.

Members also said adapting a healthy lifestyle made them feel better overall.

The downside of diabetes unsurprisingly was being unable to eat everything one would like and the importance of controlling portion sizes. It was, however, agreed a little treat now and then was perfectly acceptable.

Thanks from members went to chairwoman Josephine McConnell, treasurer Irene Cull and secretary Roberta McCullough for their time and commitment to the group throughout the past year.

Meetings resume  on Monday, September 1st, with community dietician Allie Quinn speaking on Healthy eating with diabetes.

Anyone affected by type one or two diabetes is welcome at any of the meetings. They are held on the first Monday of the month in Ballynahinch Leisure Centre, in Windmill Street. 

For more information on Diabetes UK contact the local office 028 9066 6646 or visit the Diabetes UK website.