Support groups and forums
Support groups and forums
There are a variety of ways you can have your say and make a difference to how the North East Essex Diabetes Service (NEEDS) service is run for the benefit of patients. As well as regular patient surveys there will be local focus groups for patients to take part in.
The Colchester Diabetes Patient Forums are very important to the service as a way of consulting with patients. They are being supported to further develop their role and their programmes of meetings, talks and activities.
We are currently looking to set a group up in Tendring – if you are interested please email info@diabetesneeds,org,uk
The Forums have representatives on the Diabetes Services Board which oversees the performance and development of services.
NEEDS is also putting in place a network of people interested in leading new local support groups in other areas such as Harwich, Jaywick and Walton. The idea is for the groups to get together on an informal basis, supported by perhaps a Diabetes Specialist Nurse or Podiatrist or Dietician, as necessary, or just to spend time together as a group of patients to share experiences and support each other.
Why not come along to a meeting and find out more!
Colchester Forum
The Colchester diabetes patient forum is a friendly group that meets on a Wednesday evening, every other month
The purpose of the forum is for people living with diabetes and their carers to meet and discuss the diabetes service and provide feedback to the Diabetes Services Board which steers how the service is run.
Attending our diabetes patient forum will give you the opportunity to learn more about diabetes and get involved in your diabetes care. We discuss a variety of topics such as:
• Diet
• Foot care
• Weight management
• Retinal eye screening
• Exercise
• Nutrition
• The NEEDS service
Location: Community Room – Bluebell Surgery, 1st Floor, Jack Andrews Drive, Highwoods, Colchester CO4 9YN
Visit our events calendar to see when we’re meeting.
Contact: Steve Turner (Chairman)
Email: colchesterchair@diabetesneeds.org.uk
Tendring Support Group
The Tending group will be held on the 2nd Friday of each month at The Robert Burr Community Pub, Burrs Toad Clacton 3-4.30pm
Contact: David Robinson
Email: Davirobinson57@gmail.com
Local support services
Below are some links that can help you find useful local Health Services.
One Colchester Community Hub or call 01206 505250
Therapy For you or call 01206 334001
Essex Wellbeing Service or call 0300 303 9988 (Monday – Friday 8am-7pm & Saturday 9an-12pm)
East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation (ESNEFT)
Essex Diabetic Eye Screening Programme
North East Essex Community Services
Suffolk & North East Essex Integrated Care System
Suffolk & North East Essex Integrated Care Board
For more support service click here
Help to retain or find work with a long term health condition Essex Employment Service
Exploring diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
We offer routine virtual clinic appointments either by consulting you over the telephone or via Microsoft Teams
Type 2 diabetes
Our friendly forums are a great place to meet other diabetes patients, careers and healthcare professionals.
Young people with diabetes
Our dedicated inpatient diabetes team is based at Colchester General Hospital.