Diabetes tackled in Turkish and Somali communities

People from these communities are at higher than normal risk of contracting the condition, and the sessions are being held in Edmonton until March. They are designed for people who are newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and for people living with Type 2 but who may need extra advice and information. 

The sessions will be run in English, Turkish and Somali, and people who attend will be seen in groups and encouraged to talk about their experiences of diabetes. Healthcare professionals will be on hand to discuss any issues that arise. 

Cllr Christine Hamilton, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Public Health said “When your first language is not English it is often difficult to discuss complex issues surrounding our health, there may also be cultural barriers. 

“These special sessions, which are run for the Turkish and Somali community, will allow members of this community to discuss their health needs in a culturally appropriate setting. We are targeting communities that live in the Upper Edmonton area as this area has a particularly high incidence of diabetes. 

“However, if these sessions are popular we will look to roll them out to other areas and communities”. 

To find out more about the sessions please call the Enfield Diabetes Service on 020 8344 3184 or e-mail [email protected] . You can refer yourself but if your first language is not English a friend or family member can refer you. 

For more information contact Suzanne Linsey, Press and New Media Officer, Enfield Council, Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield. Tel: 020 8379 4940. Email: [email protected].