Free help offered to people with diabetes
PEOPLE living with diabetes are being offered free therapy.
NHS Talking Therapies, provided by Vita Health Group, is offering a range of options to over 16s in the city and counties.
Vita is also hosting Diabetes VitaFest at the Peepul Centre, in Belgrave, Leicester, on June 15 to support Diabetes Awareness Week.
A spokeswoman said a survey by Diabetes UK had found that 70 per cent of people living with diabetes feel overwhelmed by the demands of the condition and, of those, three-quarters said it affects how they manage their diabetes.
Living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can often lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Common signs and symptoms can include: feeling low most of the time, reduced interest or pleasure in activities, excessive worry, strong negative feelings towards diabetes or feeling the the diabetes is out of control, and avoiding or being unmotivated to follow a treatment plan.
High-risk times for emotional problems include at diagnosis, the development of complications, significant life events, such as pregnancy, divorce, or becoming a carer, and when living with other mental or physical conditions. Talking Therapies options include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be effective at reducing symptoms of low mood, anxiety and other emotional problems;
Silvercloud, an online interactive CBT programme which introduces strategies intended to help manage anxiety and low mood;
Living well with diabetes group, an online course delivered live once a week for eight weeks;
Individual support, at a clinic, via secure video or over the phone. A therapist will assess needs and goals for therapy and guide through self-help strategies.
To take part, people need to be over 16, live in and be registered with a GP within Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland.
The service is free and confidential and people do not need to visit a GP to get started.
VitaFest will take place between noon and 4pm. There will be information about mental health and diabetes and talks on bespoke services. There is no need to book, just turn up.
To self-refer, call 0330 094 5595, text “YOU” to 88802 or go to:
WIDE RANGE OF THERAPIES ON OFFER ONLINE