About Seek Diabetes Awareness Charity

Seek Diabetes Awareness is a U.K. registered Charity dedicated to improving diabetes awareness and outcomes amongst black and minority ethnic (BME) groups. We stand up for those suffering from diabetes by campaigning for a better standard of care. We improve the chances of finding a prevention for this deadly disease and provide vital support and service to the health care profession.

Seek Diabetes Awareness Charity feel the right approach to reducing the healthcare burden of diabetes in the future is by preventing complications today. To educate about the benefits of controlling this deadly disease today, we live a healthier tomorrow.

It is well documented that the BME^? community is at an increased risk of suffering from long term conditions related to Diabetes, which is more prevalent amongst the South Asian communities and Type 2 diabetes is seen to be higher in ethnically diverse communities.

Unfortunately there are also great disparities in accessibility to healthcare for the South Asian community. There are numerous reasons for this however, health care professionals that work in the diabetes sector all acknowledge that barriers such as language difficulties and cultural difference lead to a great deal of problems when trying to engage BME^? groups. As a result of this the community that has the greatest need for diabetes education and awareness is the community which is very difficult to reach.

Seek Diabetes Awareness is working in the Midlands with BME^? groups to raise awareness of diabetes and educate on the importance of achieving good glycemic control and thus prevention of diabetes related complications.

We feel that the right approach to reducing the healthcare burden of diabetes in the future is by preventing complications today. To educate about the benefits of controlling this deadly disease today, we live a healthier tomorrow.

Proposal

To extend the reach of our charity we want to engage with our community, since we rely on our community for support in many different ways. This proposal outlines our short term goals and achievements and the rewards will be fewer deaths related to diabetes and greater awareness of the disease. Our aim is to work with the community, specifically the six points listed below:

Visit each place of worship, care home or community centre and hire a room for a safe and comfortable environment for the most vulnerable and isolated people in their community setting who are socially excluded, to promote diabetes awareness. This will build their confidence and self esteem.
To hold diabetes awareness education/workshops sessions tailored to South Asian communities in their language. This is more of an issue faced by older & disabled people who cannot speak or understand English.
Screening and BMI checks of any community members including the disabled, homeless and other group members with mental health issues to raise awareness and enable early diagnosis.
Education and empowerment of diabetic clients to reduce risk of diabetic related complications, by involving them to simple activities such as swimming, yoga, walking and gardening. This will increase their physical activity making them healthier and more active amongst their community.
To relive sickness and preserve and protect good health of those who have diabetes. This will include other medical advice relating to diabetes such as Swine Flue, foot care, eyesight, healthy eating, alcohol and substance misuse delivered in their language.
We will create a database system of all our members to help us tackle health inequalities, as we will be able to understand which members are experiencing poor health service leading to diabetes. This could be for much reason, as members could be living in disadvantaged areas, do not have jobs or even be homeless.