Diabetes UK decided to set up the new service after a survey suggested that 72% of people with the condition who needed emotional or psychological support had not been offered this from a specialist healthcare professional or service. This is a concern because people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience depression as the general population.
While a number of support services already exist – including Diabetes UK’s own Careline – this is the first service to offer peer support across the UK from people who have the condition themselves. This could be particularly useful for people who have just been diagnosed or who are making the transition from child to adult services.
Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: “Right from the point of diagnosis, diabetes presents a whole range of issues and challenges that all too often people feel they have to face entirely on their own.
“There is already lots of practical information available on managing and living with diabetes. But sometimes there is no substitute for talking to someone who you really feel has walked a mile in your shoes and we want to give people with diabetes the chance to have those kind of conversations.
“So whether it is providing you with practical information or just giving you the chance to talk about what you are going through, the Peer Support programme can help. We know that this kind of support can make a real difference, so I would urge people who are struggling with any issues related to their condition to give it a call or to send an email.”
The volunteers who man the telephone lines and inboxes have a wide range of experiences, which means it will often be possible to be put in touch with someone who has gone through the same issue themselves.
The peer support service is open on Wednesday between noon and 3pm; Friday between 9am and noon; and Sunday between 7pm and 10pm. People can call 0843 353 8600 to speak to someone directly, or visit www.diabetes.org.uk/peer-support to view profiles and start a conversation by email.
