We will host a 'Discovery Day' in Broadstairs in a bid to increase volunteering numbers across Thanet and help people live well with diabetes.
The Volunteer Discovery Day will take place on Wednesday 22 May, in the Westwood Cross Shopping Centre (23 Margate Road, Broadstairs CT10 2BF). It will run from 11am to 3pm.
Shoppers and visitors are invited to stop for a chat with Diabetes UK staff members and find out about the charity’s work and the volunteer roles on offer - plus there will be information for people living with and at risk of diabetes.
Ruth Portway, 77 (pictured), a retired nurse and health service manager who lives in Kent, has volunteered with Diabetes UK for around 10 years.
Her husband and son both have type 2 diabetes.
Ruth says:
“I have seen how difficult it can be for people to live with diabetes, both from a professional point of view as a former nurse and from a personal point of view. When people ask me about volunteering, I tell them that I know from my working life that people do better when they have support. With volunteering, you can be sure that you are making a difference in that time.
“I help with events and stalls in various locations for Diabetes UK. It's partly about being a listening ear but also about pointing people in the direction of help and advice.”
Charlotte Burford, Engaging Communities and Volunteering Manager at Diabetes UK, says:
“Without the help of our wonderful volunteers we wouldn't be able to do much of our work. We are very grateful to them all and we try to ensure that our volunteers have a good experience with us.
“We would welcome more help in Thanet. The reason that we have been busy in the area for more than a year is because statistics show us that people who live in Thanet may not be receiving all the diabetes care and checks they are entitled to - and we are trying very hard to help.”
