A NEW charity service is seeking Dudley people who have type 2 diabetes to help support others who also have the condition.

Diabetes UK-run scheme Type 2 Together, which aims to connect people who have diabetes with each other in local surroundings, is being partly funded by Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The charity hopes to recruit 50 volunteers with type 2 diabetes across the borough to help lead “relaxing and informal” group sessions.

Peter Shorrick, Midlands regional manager for Diabetes UK, said: “We know that people with type 2 diabetes can often feel worried or unsure about how best to manage their condition and are all too often unable to access practical information and support.

“Type 2 Together is all about helping people meet others who also have the condition, and supporting them to learn more about how to manage their diabetes better.

“We want people who are open-minded, empathetic and who feel they could help others think through their situation and options without telling them what they ‘should’ do.”

Would-be volunteers will need to commit to a day of training and a few hours of volunteering each month.

Dr Ruth Tapparo, GP and clinical lead at Dudley CCG, said: “Dudley CCG are pleased to be working with Diabetes UK as part of this exciting, patient orientated project.

“This is a first for Dudley. We are hoping that patients will embrace the opportunity to share their experiences, in order to self-control their diabetes, giving themselves a better quality of life.”

For more information about volunteering on the scheme, or to join one of the groups being set up, call 0345 123 2399 or email Type2Together@diabetes.org.uk