Join battle against diabetes

AS preparations and excitement for Christmas grows, as a registered charity for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, we recognise that it can be a difficult time for people with both types of diabetes, especially if it is their first Christmas with the condition.

It can be a time of temptation, unpredictable or delayed meals, extra nibbles, excitement and stress, all of which can make managing their diabetes more of a problem.

We have just published our December newsletter and we also have a booklet, ‘Diabetes At Christmas’ to help families who live with the condition.

It gives various options for Christmas dinners, a recipe for homemade, lower carbohydrate and calorie Christmas pudding and many other tips.

We also have a booklet, ‘Diabetes – Everyday Eating’ and we hope that the newsletter and two booklets will help to make life easier over the festive season.

We are happy to send out these, free of charge, to any of your readers if you could contact IDDT on 01604 622837.

Alternatively email enquiries@ iddtinternational.org

Jenny Hirst, Co-chair, Independent Diabetes Trust [IDDT] HELP US TO END ABUSE

FOR the past 18 months I have been documenting stories with victims of domestic abuse alongside what was meant to be the implementation of the ‘landmark’ domestic abuse bill which I also advised on.

This bill has fallen due to the General Election, which means it will no longer progress.

The legislation which was promised two years ago, even had it been implemented, still needed to go further.

I am a survivor of childhood abuse.

Undiscussable is my new podcast series that presents these stories and voices, including my own into a deeply personal, raw and challenging rethinking of domestic abuse.

I would like to ask for you and your readers to stand with me and hold all political parties to account in this General Election and commit to end domestic abuse in their manifesto pledges, improve the fallen bill and implement it as an urgent priority.

There were two million victims that we know of last year, male and female adults. And given that 85% of people that are victims of domestic abuse don’t go to the police, the amount is grossly under- reported and estimated.

The podcast is available at www. charliewebster.com/undiscussable or please search Apple or Spotify.

Please help me break this detrimental cycle.

Charlie Webster Broadcaster and advocate