Skip to main content

Greenwich receives national health award for diabetes prevention service

A team delivering a pioneering education programme for people with Type 2 diabetes in the Royal Borough of Greenwich has won a prestigious national award in recognition of “developing innovative ways” to enhance their service.

The Greenwich team, which delivers a programme called Walking Away from Diabetes, was presented with the prize for Excellence in the annual Celebrating DESMOND Awards. The winners were revealed to mark World Diabetes Day on Saturday, 14 November.

The Royal Borough’s team scooped the award for its Walking Away from Diabetes programme, which offers dedicated support and advice to patients identified as being at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Through a 3.5 hour structured education programme participants are getting help in understanding their personal risks and identifying the changes they need to make to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.  Participants then have access to a wide-ranging menu of individual and group support including physical activity, healthy eating, stopping smoking and emotional support.

Cllr Denise Scott-McDonald, the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Public Health, said: “Tackling diabetes is a high priority for the Council and our local health partners. The Walking Away from Diabetes programme is helping to make a real difference to the lives of local residents, and we are delighted that this work has been recognised through the Excellence Award.

“The award reflects the hard work and commitment of the Royal Greenwich team who deliver the programme. 

“We are proud of our achievements and the benefit it brings to the people we work with.”

The Celebrating DESMOND Annual Awards were launched to reward excellence and good practice. This year there were five categories and teams were nominated from as far as New Zealand and Australia.

Bernie Stribling, national director of the DESMOND Programme, said: “The standard was high with a degree of excellence demonstrated by many of the entries. However, the Royal Borough of Greenwich team showed ‘star quality’ and a dedicated commitment to DESMOND.

“It was clear that DESMOND is making a difference to the lives of people with, and at risk of Type 2 diabetes in Greenwich, with the team going above and beyond in delivering the DESMOND Programme.”

The winners were decided by a judging panel comprised of senior members of the DESMOND National Office. 

Award entrants needed to demonstrate they had helped make a difference to the lives of people who are at increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and helped support the learner by developing their attitudes, beliefs, knowledge and skills to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

For details of the ‘Walking Away’ programme and other initiatives in Royal Greenwich aimed at helping you improve your health visit www.greenwichhealthyliving.nhs.uk or call 0800 587 5833.