Cornwall Diabetes Support Expands with New Clinics and Walking Groups

One-Stop Clinics and Support Groups Lead the Charge

People living with diabetes in Cornwall are now getting better support thanks to new ways of working being led by the Three Harbours and Bosvena Primary Care Network (PCN).

Working with NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, the team has brought in several new ways to make care easier and more effective, including local ‘diabetes super clinics’ where people can have all 8 of their annual diabetes checks done in a single visit.

The team has also launched diabetes support groups for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and helped set up a weekly diabetes health walk at the National Trust’s Lanhydrock estate near Bodmin. The walk is part of the Cornwall Active Travel Social Prescribing pilot delivered by Cornwall Council.

Celebrating a Year of Walking Together

On Wednesday 18th June, members of the support groups and the Lanhydrock walking group came together to celebrate a year since the weekly walks first began.

Dr Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, praised the work being done across the county.

“Diabetes is a long-term health condition, which if not well managed can have serious impact upon a person and their quality of life. I am so proud of the innovative work that our GP teams and valued partners across Cornwall are doing to support people living with diabetes – we’ve had fantastic feedback so far.

“The diabetes health walk is a great example of how integrated care and community activity can go hand in hand to support healthier lives for people with diabetes in Cornwall. I really want to thank the members of the Diabetes Lived Experience Group for sharing their expert insights, which are helping us to shape the future for diabetes care across the county.”

From Exercise to Empowerment

Dr Emma Langstaff, GP and lead for diabetes at Three Harbours and Bosvena PCN, highlighted the positive impact of the support groups and walks.

“Our amazing diabetes team work hard to look at ways for us to improve diabetes care. With their enthusiasm, we have created new opportunities for people living with diabetes to get more healthy, both physically and mentally.

“The support groups and walking group have enabled people to come together to share their lived experience and offer peer support and wisdom to others. We will continue to seek opportunities to develop this care further – it’s a journey we are proud of.”

Laurence Harvey, Volunteering and Community Manager at the National Trust’s Lanhydrock estate, added:

“At Lanhydrock we were looking for ways to connect with our local community in Bodmin and break down barriers that people might experience preventing them from enjoying nature, beauty and history.

“The Three Harbours and Bosvena diabetes team were eager to signpost their patients towards a local offering that would encourage physical activity and benefit health. It’s been a huge success all round, not just for the National Trust and the NHS, but many of the walkers have said that it has changed their lives.”

Real Stories from Cornwall

Sue Hart, a member of the weekly walking group, shared her experience:

“I go walking with the group for a few reasons really – at first it was for the exercise which I enjoy, but our little group has grown quickly and become more of a community and a way of making new friends and supporting each other.

“I lost over 2 stone and my blood sugar level dropped but it’s also helped with my mental health too, it’s much nicer to walk with others than on your own. I’ve now gone from being someone who went along for a walk to being a Lanhydrock volunteer walk leader for the group.”

Tracy Crossley, whose husband Les has diabetes, explained how the support has helped their whole family:

“While I had heard of type 1 diabetes, it wasn’t until we attended the courses and meetings that we realised how serious it can be and the potential impact. Everyone’s experience with diabetes is unique, and discussing it openly fosters understanding.

“The help we’ve had from the team has been invaluable, giving us knowledge to educate our whole family about how we can support Les – but this journey has also made me more mindful of my own eating habits and what foods I bring into our home.

“Our daughter is getting married next year and the thought of Les being fit enough to walk her down the aisle and even dance is a truly wonderful motivation.”

What’s Next for Diabetes Care in Cornwall?

The NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) has created a 5-Year Diabetes Transformation Plan, developed alongside local people with lived experience of diabetes.

As part of the long-term goal to reduce hospital admissions and improve quality of life, the ICB plans to:

• Expand the ‘diabetes super clinic’ model to boost attendance at annual diabetes reviews

• Offer the ‘Diabetes and You’ education programme to 1,000 newly diagnosed adults with type 2 diabetes to help them manage their condition from the start.

This new approach to diabetes care in Cornwall is all about making it easier for people to get the support they need while improving both physical and mental health through connection, education and community.