HEAL-D: diabetes programme for African and Caribbean communities in Lambeth
HEAL-D is a seven week diet and lifestyle programme open to Lambeth residents. It has been culturally tailored and developed to support and empower people of African and Caribbean heritage, who are living with type 2 diabetes, to take charge of their health whilst enjoying the food from their culture. The programme has been co-produced with people living with type 2 diabetes of African and Caribbean heritage, faith and community leaders and healthcare professionals. Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust’s Nutrition and Dietetic Team deliver the programme in south London alongside physiotherapists and community partners.
What does the HEAL-D programme cover?
People who sign up will get information, advice and practical tips to support them to manage their diabetes, improve their quality of life and reduce the chance of developing future health complications. The sessions will take place online over seven weeks, and each session is two hours long. They will include information and discussion around the following topics:
- Understanding diabetes
- Physical activity
- Healthy lifestyle and nutrition coaching
- Healthy cooking practices
- Goal setting
Participants will also be given a weekly one-hour physical activity session with a physiotherapist, over the course of five weeks.
Learn more about the programme and the experience of participants
Watch our the video below to find out more:
Recent feedback from course attendees
“I feel empowered! It made me realise I am not alone.”
“I have come away with new ideas. I now cook without worrying. I am now much more mindful when cooking.”
“Exercise was brilliant. Facilitators were super.”
“Very good programme and lots of information on diet and exercise.”
“All went really well and really enjoyed the programme. I keep telling everyone about it. It worked!”
Who can sign up?
HEAL-D is open to:
- adults (18 years and over) who can speak English
- Black African or Black Caribbean adults with type 2 diabetes
- people registered with a GP in a south London borough
- people who want to take part in online group sessions and can take part in light to moderate physical activity
How do I sign up?
- You can ask your GP or other health professional to refer you.
- Or you can complete the online self-referral form – if you need help with the form, a GP or health professional can also help.
- You can also contact the GSTT HEAL-D team: email: gst-tr.heald@nhs.net or call: 020 7188 2010.
More information
HEAL-D – Healthy eating and active lifestyles for diabetes
A Lambeth Together priority
African and Caribbean people in the UK are three times more likely to get type 2 diabetes than the general population. They often get it ten years earlier and have more severe symptoms, needing more medical care. Many standard diabetes programs don’t work as well for them because they aren’t culturally tailored. Our Neighbourhood and Wellbeing Delivery Alliance is working together to support more people to manage and prevent long-term health conditions so they can live full, active lives.
Find out more about our Neighbourhood and Wellbeing Alliance.