ALWAYS SUPPORTING YOU

A large number of people in the United Kingdom have type 2 diabetes. As such, there is a lot of help and support out there for you.

In attending this EMPOWER course, you are part of a group of people from your local area, together sharing experiences and learning about:

  • Diet
  • Exercise and lifestyle changes
  • Medication
  • Setting personal goals
  • How to take better control of your diabetes

GP & NURSE SUPPORT

Having the right care is important in helping you to manage your diabetes. As well as looking after yourself, you will have an annual review meeting with your GP or nurse. This is where you can discuss your personal targets and agree a plan of action to help you reach them.

Areas of care you should think about and discuss with your GP or nurse at your next review can include:

  • Podiatry (foot care)

  • Eye Screening

  • Stopping smoking

  • Emotional well-being

  • Diet support

  • Weight management

  • Exercise schemes

  • Alcohol awareness

Services in East and North Hertfordshire

There is a wide range of local services available to you if you live in East and North Hertfordshire. These include:

Stop Smoking

Smokefree is provided by Hertfordshire County Council and provides weekly support for up to 12 weeks (face-to-face or over the phone). Smokefree will create a plan and offer guidance to help you quit smoking.

You can contact Smokefree using the details below:

0800 389 3998

Get Active

Herts Sports Partnership is a project to help inactive people take their first step to a more active lifestyle. There are a variety of opportunities to get active. Whatever your age, interest or ability there is something to suit you. Take a look at the activities in your area provided by the Herts Sports Partnership team on their website

www.sportinherts.org.uk

Losing Weight

You can get a free 12 week subscription to either Slimming World or Weight Watchers if you are registered with a GP practice in East and North Hertfordshire and if you are above 16 years of age, have a BMI over 30 and motivated to lose weight!

For further information please talk to your GP.

Substance Misuse

Spectrum Hertford is a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for adults. Some of the services Spectrum offer include:

  • alcohol screening, advice and brief interventions;

  • needle exchanges;

  • counselling; and

  • family and carers groups and support.

You can contact Spectrum using the details below:

0800 652 3169

Other Services Available to You

If you are looking for other local services in Hertfordshire, the Hertfordshire County Council website is very helpful.

www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

 

Mental Health Support

Asking for help can be a hard step to take. There are many ways that you can get confidential support. Mental health support can be provided in various forms such as face-to-face, telephone and online. In the first instance, talk to your GP. They should be able to assess your health and support you to make a choice on you next step. The Mind Hertfordshire Network offer services that include complex needs and crisis intervention, employment support services and training and peer support.

www.hertsmindnetwork.org