Diabetes is a serious and complicated condition that affects over 4 million people across the UK. We need you to help us to reach more people at a local level to:
- Be a champion for diabetes awareness including the prevention of Type 2 diabetes
- Help inform and improve understanding of what diabetes is by becoming a voice for diabetes in your local community
- Inform people of the support available from Diabetes UK.
This role is particularly focused on engaging with diverse communities; so an interest in, or experience of working with diverse communities is desirable. We are specifically looking for volunteers to represent their own local communities and groups and to become Community Ambassadors for:
- South Asian communities
- Black African communities
- Black Caribbean communities.
Main tasks and activities
This is a varied and flexible role and you can chose to help in any or all of the following ways:
- Attend awareness events in your local area to promote and increase awareness of diabetes.
- Give talks about diabetes to a wide range of groups such as community groups, social clubs, local companies and organisations groups in your local area.
- Think of new and creative ways to help promote diabetes and reach more people.
- Answer general queries and direct any medical or other specific questions to Diabetes UK or to healthcare professionals.
We are looking for people who:
- Have a passion for improving diabetes awareness in their local community.
- Have an interest in community based health promotion work.
- Are confident to talk to people in an engaging and enthusiastic way, maintaining confidentiality and being sensitive when required.
- Respect other peoples cultures and understand their cultural values.
- Are committed to support the work of Diabetes UK and represent Diabetes UK in a positive way.
- Can speak more than one language (this is not essential).
What Diabetes UK can offer you:
- The opportunity to make a real difference to people living with, and affected by diabetes in your community.
- Induction, training and regular communication with Diabetes UK point of contact.
- The opportunity to meet and network with other volunteers.
- The opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience of working in the charity sector.
- Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses incurred while carrying out activities for Diabetes UK, e.g. travel, lunch.