Diabetes Essentials - your local diabetes education service
Diabetes Essentials – Your Local Diabetes Education Service
The Diabetes Essentials team provides essential, up-to-date group information sessions for individuals with type 2 diabetes. If you live in West Cheshire (Chester, Ellesmere Port and the surrounding areas) or Halton (Runcorn and Widnes), you are eligible to attend these sessions.
What is Diabetes Essentials?
These group information sessions aim to support people living with diabetes. Topics covered include:
- Understanding diabetes
- Essential healthcare services and support
- Day-to-day management of the condition
- Common myths and facts about diabetes
- Risks of long-term complications
- Supporting organisations and local services
The sessions also offer the opportunity to meet others with the same condition and share experiences. If you are unable to attend a group; one on one and home visit appointments may be accommodated.
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When and where are the sessions held?
Sessions are available at the following venues and online via Microsoft Teams. Evening sessions are also available.
- Beehive Healthcare, Northgate Avenue, Chester, CH2 2DX
- The Trackside Room, Ellesmere Port Sports Village, Stanney Lane, Ellesmere Port
- Neston Youth Community Centre, Burton Road, Little Neston, CH64 9RE
- Tarporley War Memorial Hospital, 14 Park Road, Tarporley, CW6 0AP
- Widnes Health Resource Centre, Caldwell Road, Widnes, WA8 7GD
- Castlefields Health Centre, The Village Square, Runcorn, WA7 2ST
- Castlefields Community Centre, The Village Square, Runcorn, WA7 2ST
- Old Police Station, Mersey Road, Runcorn, WA7 1DF
Is there a cost?
These sessions are free NHS services.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a friend or family member along.
How can I attend Diabetes Essentials?
Referrals are usually made through GP practices and healthcare professionals. However, self-referrals are also available. If you would like to attend a session, please contact Therapy Services on 01244 365 234 or email diabetes.essentials@nhs.net.
Are there sessions available for pre-diabetes?
If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes (also called borderline diabetes), you are encouraged to access the National Diabetes Prevention Programme. This programme provides face-to-face and digital courses for individuals at risk. The Countess of Chester Hospital offers a limited number of one-to-one appointments for patients in West Cheshire who may not meet the criteria for the National Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP). You can find more information about the National Diabetes Programme at healthieryou.reedwellbeing.com.
I have type 1 diabetes – are there sessions available for me?
Yes, Type 1 Diabetes Essentials sessions are available at the Countess of Chester Hospital. These sessions provide:
- An introduction to type 1 diabetes
- Carbohydrate counting support
- Guidance on interpreting continuous glucose monitor readings
To attend, please request a GP referral to the Countess of Chester Diabetes Team.