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Newham residents launch new films that offer support for young people with diabetes

6 October 2016

A group of 16-25 year olds from Newham have launched a suite of four films that offer support and guidance for young people with diabetes.

London Borough of Newham has a greater proportion of young people than anywhere else in the country and also has the highest prevalence of type 2 diabetes in young people under 25. The films, released today, were funded by the Health Foundation and created by young members of a diabetes peer support group set up by Newham Clinical Commissioning Group and UCLPartners.

The group was originally formed in 2014 to provide support and guidance for young people with diabetes, their families and friends. It offers a range of activities including bowling, exercise programmes, cooking classes and provides a strong support network where individuals can talk frankly about their condition, share experiences and ask questions about issues that matter to them.

Recognising the positive impact being part of the group has had on their lives, members have joined forces to produce a series of short films that address the questions and anxieties that young people often have about their diabetes, including preparing for exams and applying for jobs.

Harmeet Bhamrah, Youth Champion from the peer support group says: “I’ve found it so helpful to have the support of others facing the same daily challenges as me. I hope the films we’ve made give others the confidence to manage their diabetes and reassure them that they’re not alone”

Dr Shanti Vijayaraghavan, Consultant Physician at Newham Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust says: “Our peer support groups have helped young people in Newham to manage their diabetes with confidence. We hope that creating these films will spread that support across the country”

View all the films on the Barts Health YouTube channel