About Us

Who are we?

Sandwell Diabetes Support Group consists of around 100 people who have an interest in Diabetes and we have been in existence for over 20 years. We have both insulin dependent (Type 1) and non-insulin dependent members (Type 2), people on diets and/or tablets and some on  a mixture of both. We also have relatives and carers, wives, husbands, etc. in the group, as well as a Diabetes Specialist Nurse who attends most meetings. If you have an interest in diabetes whether as a patient, carer, friend or professional we  welcome you to our meetings.

What do we do?

We meet every other month to listen to speakers who we feel are of interest to our members.  Members attend a  number of meetings  with organisations which we feel may support the cause for better diabetes care in Sandwell. We are represented at Strategic Health Authority level, on the Primary Care Trust committees and Sandwell and City Hospital committees as well as local council representation where appropriate. We are happy to speak to other organisations about diabetes and to supply information and speakers. We welcome invitations to visit religious groups, clubs and societies. Our local regional office is situated in Walsall and can provide  guidance and information during office hours (Tel: 01922 614500).

Meetings.

There is no membership fee. Meetings are free and start at 7.30p.m. with tea or coffee and a biscuit for which there is a small charge and finish around 9.30 p.m., but no one minds if you come along late or leave early. Speakers usually start at about 7.45 p.m. and will generally only speak or demonstrate for about 30 to 45 minutes. We are always open to suggestions for speakers - not all topics will be of interest to only people with diabetes. Much of the meeting is taken up with  socialising, exchanging information and benefiting from others experiences. This part of the meeting is always useful as people get to know one-another and can share common problems and even solve some of them!

We meet on the first floor in the Medical Education Centre, Sandwell Hospital which has lift access and is situated opposite the Hallam Restaurant. It is just 50 yards from the Hallam Street bus stops. Entrance is at the rear of the building. We will put up Diabetes  meeting signs. Nearest car parking is in the Outpatients' car park off Little Lane - follow accident and emergency signs.
Please click here for a map of Sandwell Hospital.