Diabetes group is a healthy interest

Barry Cassidy

A DIABETES sufferer is urging fellow victims of the disease to help turn their lives around by joining an Oldham support group.

Barry Cassidy was a founder member of Diabetes UK Oldham Voluntary Support Group six years ago, and it is still going strong.

He was diagnosed with diabetes in 1997 after a vicious circle of raging thirst and a need to relieve himself sent him to see his GP.

He said: “The most important thing about the support group is that it gets people out of the house.

“Often when they are diagnosed they sit at home and wonder and fret, but with us they can meet people who have similar problems and share their experiences. We do have informative talks, but the social side is as much a part of it as anything else.”

The group aims to help people with diabetes manage their condition and also, said Barry: “Not let it get in the way of having the same quality of life as people without diabetes.” The group was launched in 2005 with the support of actress Shobna Gulati, who plays Sunita in “Coronation Street”, and whose father was a GP in Oldham.

Barry said the principal aim was to raise awareness, with an emphasis on what people can do for themselves, and how their friends, relatives, workmates and employers can support them in leading as healthy a lifestyle as possible.

He said: “Everyone is treated as an individual, so we don’t have a ‘one-size fits all’ approach.

All services are free, there is no charge for joining the group or attending meetings, and members pride themselves on its friendly atmosphere.

The support group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at the Link Centre, Union Street, Oldham, at 7.30pm. Partners, relatives, friends and carers are all welcome.

It also provides free speakers and literature to individuals and organisations, including libraries, church and social societies, carers groups and healthcare professionals.

Barry is available seven days a week to answer any queries and offers a home visit service.

Call 07754-476 369 or 01706-669 129, or by email at nwbs@ntlworld.com. Further details available at www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/sites/odvsg.