Helping people live well in Hastings – residents invited to get involved at Diabetes UK open meeting

Hastings residents are invited to an open meeting on May 13 aimed at bringing together people who live with diabetes and volunteers who may be able to support them.

The event has been organised by Diabetes UK in partnership with Hastings Voluntary Action. It will include a presentation on Diabetes UK services and upcoming plans as well as giving local residents the opportunity to have their say on support for people living with diabetes in the area.

The meeting will take place on Saturday, 13 May, at the Central Hall, 6 Bank Buildings, Station Road, Hastings TN34 1NG from 1 - 3pm. Refreshments will be available.It will give people an opportunity to discuss plans for developing further local support in Hastings, including the possibility of setting up a local support group. There will also be volunteering opportunities for people who would like to get more involved. There are many different ways to volunteer for Diabetes UK, including in the community running awareness stalls or speaking at local events. Training is given along with help and support from Diabetes UK staff.

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly.

If not managed well, type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable sight loss in people of working age in the UK and is a major cause of lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke.