Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Just wanted to let you know that I'm now involved in a Peer Support Scheme, set up by Diabetes UK. Have recently received training, and now looking to really promote this new support network. For the days when your sugar levels won't stay in range, or the days you think "why me", we're hoping the Peer Support Scheme will give people somewhere else to turn to. I myself, get frustrated when no one else seems to understand what I'm going through.

If anyone ever wants to chat, or knows someone who is having a hard time with their diabetes, please feel free to email [email protected].

My first proper taste of peer support was through this exact site but it's great to hear that Diabetes UK setup something more specific.

I'm guessing you're a volunteer for the service? What is it like being one?

...on a related note, is it okay for non-diabetic partners to use the service? I do get worried about my fella because he often gets as frustrated as me, especially with how much he helps me thanks to the DAFNE course. It has made it much easier to share my life with him (which I doubt I would have been able to before the course - I do however appreciate the fact he'd probably try and work something out with me anyway).

I'm sure you'll get some contacts! Best wishes!

Hello, yes I am a volunteer for Diabetes UK. I'm still in the process of getting set up, as it's been put into control of myself and one other volunteer. There's so much I want to do, I think my head is going to explode with excitement!

The scheme is aimed at absolutely anyone who is affected by diabetes, whether they have it, or they know someone who has it. Sadly, I don't think there is a lot for diabetics' partners, and this needs to change. I really want to get the word out that this scheme is for anyone affected by diabetes, not just us diabetics! I can imagine my boyfriend contacting a scheme such as this, to vent how crazy I drive him, sometimes!

If anyone's on Facebook, there's a group 'Diabetes Peer Support South East' (ignore the south east bit, there really are no limits to who can ask for help!) I will be updating this group with useful information in the upcoming months, regarding where else people can turn to for help.

I have heard of this and think its a great idea...........

Will be interesting to see how you get on, provided you can discuss some typical scenarios you come across without violating any laws......

I hope we can muster up a strong support network for us people with diabetes

I'm not sure if anyone here is on Twitter, but there's a discussion going on tonight, that I'm hosting. The topic of conversation will be blood glucose meters, their functions and reliability. Anyone who wants to join in, or have a nose at what meters people use, and their thoughts on them, follow 'OurDiabetes' . The chat will be taking place 8-9pm.

That is great Louise.

While I think of it, Diabetes UK on Google Plus have been doing regular peer support hangouts. Their next one is this evening at 7pm UK time if I remember correctly - talking about diabetics' thoughts on how the condition is represented in the media (mags, tv, online, etc).

I'd imagine it might get a bit heated ^_^;;

I missed last week's one, JayBee, so I hope to be involved tonight!

Cool! I've marked myself as a maybe atm. It'll be my first hangout if I do make it. o_o;;

Have fun to all who do join in either events!

It's an interesting experience, G+ hangouts!

On that note, does anyone do anything diabetes-related, other than taking part on here? Facebook? Twitter? Local voluntary groups? Please share what you do, it'd be great to get to know you!

I used to do the DAFNE Online twitter feed (the discussion on here is here) before the DAFNE official feed started, and did try to do a Google Plus page but with the restrictions on RSS, it was too time consuming to keep up on a voluntary basis, so I shut it down again. I've had no contact with the FB group since I quit FB before it appeared.

In case any one was having trouble finding it the hangout event is here.

I've heard of a lot of support things in my area, but most of them are for families that have kids with diabetes. Pardon my french, but the options for adult diabetics are pretty crap. I've gone on to Streetlife to try and get an idea if anyone local would be interested in adult diabetic support, but no one replied (got some thumbs up though). Same for on here - nothing materialised (see Norwich meet).

It's pretty sad and I guess I'm kind of jaded after being disappointed so much (I've tried running events for stuff outside diabetes for hobbies too - won't go into that). :/ I do wish you and Diabetes UK all the best with this.

My partner thinks I should really try to join the discussion this evening... see what I get out of it.. is it possible to just sit in and watch if I can make it? That reminds me, I'd best finally get my EyeToy cam set up for doing these hangouts!