People living with diabetes across Cornwall taking part in walking group support
People were invited to join together for a gentle stroll around Lanhydrock
People living with diabetes across Cornwall are being encouraged to walk to support better long-term health.
Leading the way and providing a varied package of support to patients and their families are the team from Three Harbours and Bosvena Primary Care Network (PCN), who have been working with NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
The success of the work by the Three Harbours and Bosvena team and partners was celebrated at the weekly diabetes health walk as this month marks a year of the walks taking place. Local members of the walking group and the diabetes support groups were invited to join together for a gentle stroll in the beautiful surroundings of Lanhydrock.
NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) has created a 5-Year Diabetes Transformation Plan, working closely with local people with lived experience of diabetes who have played a vital part in co-producing the plan by providing feedback, ideas and sharing stories of their own diabetes experiences.
The ICB is also investing in diabetes prevention as part of a long-term strategy to reduce hospital admissions and improve quality of life for patients. Plans for the year ahead include:
• expanding the ‘diabetes super clinic’ model to improve uptake of annual diabetes reviews
• offering the ‘Diabetes and You’ education programme to 1,000 newly diagnosed adults with type 2 diabetes, supporting better self-management from the outset.
Dr Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said:
"Diabetes is a long-term health condition, which if not well managed can have serious impact upon a person and their quality of life. I am so proud of the innovative work that our GP teams and valued partners across Cornwall are doing to support people living with diabetes – we’ve had fantastic feedback so far.
“The diabetes health walk is a great example of how integrated care and community activity can go hand in hand to support healthier lives for people with diabetes in Cornwall. I really want to thank the members of the Diabetes Lived Experience Group for sharing their expert insights, which are helping us to shape the future for diabetes care across the county."
Dr Emma Langstaff, GP and lead for diabetes at Three Harbours and Bosvena PCN said:
“Our amazing diabetes team work hard to look at ways for us to improve diabetes care. With their enthusiasm, we have created new opportunities for people living with diabetes to get more healthy, both physically and mentally.
“The support groups and walking group have enabled people to come together to share their lived experience and offer peer support and wisdom to others. We will continue to seek opportunities to develop this care further – it’s a journey we are proud of.”
Laurence Harvey, Volunteering and Community Manager, National Trust Lanhydrock said:
“At Lanhydrock we were looking for ways to connect with our local community in Bodmin and break down barriers that people might experience preventing them from enjoying nature, beauty and history.
“The Three Harbours and Bosvena diabetes team were eager to signpost their patients towards a local offering that would encourage physical activity and benefit health. It’s been a huge success all round, not just for the National Trust and the NHS, but many of the walkers have said that it has changed their lives.”
Sue Hart is a member of the weekly walking group and says:
“I go walking with the group for a few reasons really – at first it was for the exercise which I enjoy, but our little group has grown quickly and become more of a community and a way of making new friends and supporting each other.
“I lost over 2 stone and my blood sugar level dropped but it’s also helped with my mental health too, it’s much nicer to walk with others than on your own. I’ve now gone from being someone who went along for a walk to being a Lanhydrock volunteer walk leader for the group.”
Tracy Crossley’s husband, Les has diabetes and Tracy explained how the support has helped them both:
“While I had heard of type 1 diabetes, it wasn't until we attended the courses and meetings that we realised how serious it can be and the potential impact. Everyone’s experience with diabetes is unique, and discussing it openly fosters understanding.
“The help we’ve had from the team has been invaluable, giving us knowledge to educate our whole family about how we can support Les – but this journey has also made me more mindful of my own eating habits and what foods I bring into our home.
“Our daughter is getting married next year and the thought of Les being fit enough to walk her down the aisle and even dance is a truly wonderful motivation.”
These initiatives form part of a wider drive to improve diabetes care, and a shift from ‘sickness to prevention’ which forms part of the national NHS 10 Year Plan.