On this page, you will find some important sources of support for diabetes. However, if you cannot find what you are looking for, please feel free to ask our friendly team for some help in getting you to the right place.
This page is divided into 4 sections:
1. Online support for diabetes
2. Local support groups
3. Counselling and emotional support
4. Financial advice and support
ONLINE SUPPORT FOR DIABETES:
There is an online support group for patients who are suffering from diabetes.
Below is the link to the Diabetes UK support forum. The Diabetes UK’s support forum is an online community where you can exchange knowledge and experiences with other people with diabetes.
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/How_we_help/Community/Diabetes-Support-Forum/
LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS:
If you wish to find a local support group for patients who are suffering from diabetes, you can search your location on this link for a list of groups in your area.
http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Diabetes%20information%20and%20support/LocationSearch/333
COUNSELLING AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FOR DIABETES:
People with diabetes are recognized by the NHS as having an increased risk of depression. You should speak to your GP about your symptoms and see if they can refer you for counselling or an alternative method of therapy. Alternatively, you can contact the following:
British Association for Counselling
Telephone number 0870 443 5252.
Website: www.bacp.co.uk
Dedicated to the promotion of counselling and maintenance of standards and training and practice, providing information on training and lists of local counsellors on receipt of a S.A.E.
The Samaritans
HELPLINE:
• 116 123 (UK)
• 116 123 (ROI)
They are there around the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This number is FREE to call. You don’t have to be suicidal to call them
OR EMAIL: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
FINANCIAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT:
The Money Advice Service
For advice on benefits entitlement and financial matters, we recommend you seek further information via your local authority website for local support services or at The Money Advice Service:
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/where-to-get-help-and-advice-about-benefits
Age UK benefits advice for older people
Age UK is for those over State Pension age and living in the area covered by the local branch. Some local branches of Age UK offer a free, confidential benefits advice service. Practical assistance to make sure you’re getting all the benefits to which you are entitled. They can provide advice by telephone, face-to-face, and home visits and help with completing forms.
Telephone the Age UK Helpline: 0800 169 6565 (8am-7pm, 365 days a year)
Website: Age UK website
• Gingerbread Single Parent Helpline
Gingerbread provides advice and practical support for single parents, including advice on benefits and tax credits.
You can call free on 0808 802 0925 (Monday: 10am to 6pm, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am to 4pm, Wednesday: 10am-1pm and 5pm-7pm)
Debt advice
If you’re worried about keeping up with debt repayments, there is lots of free, confidential help and advice available. Find out more by following the link below:
Where to go to get free debt advice
Housing advice
If you have rent or mortgage arrears or you’re worried about losing your home, Shelter offers confidential advice on a range of housing issues.
• Visit the Shelter England website
• Visit the Shelter Scotland website
• Visit the Shelter Cymru website
• Visit the Shelter Northern Ireland website
For advice about compensation claims and diabetes generally click here