Diabetes group in crisis (From Salisbury Journal)

Diabetes group in crisis

6:00pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in New Forest News By Karen Bate

A SUPPORT group in Ringwood for people living with diabetes could be closing its doors to its members within months, unless a new committee is formed.

Sid Slatter, 89 and his wife Betty, 86, took over the Diabetes Club in 1989, after they joined in 1983 when a close family member was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

For the last 30 years, the couple say they have put their “heart and soul” into the club, but after 30 years the time has come to hand over to a new committee.

The club offers support, friend-ship and social outings to people with the disease. There are about 45 members who meet every second Monday of the month at Greyfriars Community Centre.

Mr Slatter said: “Betty and I decided to join the group soon after a member of our family was diagnosed.

“It was a terrible time initially, as we didn’t really know what to expect.

“We have put our hearts and souls into running the Diabetes Club, which has helped us and helped many other people who either have diabetes or look after someone with the disease.

“It is very sad. We do not want the group to come to an end because it gives so much help to people.

“ It lets people know that it is not all doom and gloom and gives our members the opportunity to share their experiences and worries.

“We have lots of outings and speakers at the meetings and really it is a lot of fun.

“The problem is that Betty and I are now in our late eighties and now the time has come for us to retire.

“We need just a handful of people who can volunteer a few hours a month to help run the club.”

Anyone who can offer a helping hand to the group can contact Mr and Mrs Slatter on 01425 477202.