Diabetes event at Portsmouth health hub is big success

The John Pounds Centre, in Portsea, Portsmouth, hosted a networking session where organisations gave out leaflets and answered questions.

A number of talks were also held for visitors who either had diabetes or knew someone with the condition.

Carole Douglas, from North End, heard about the event as she uses the John Pounds Centre, off Queen Street.

She said: ‘It was a really brilliant day with lots of information. Everyone was friendly and helpful.

‘I have been given some good tips.’

Dorothy Watkinson, from Buckland, agreed.

She added: ‘It is important to meet with people and share stories and experiences.

‘It has been good to speak to people who are possibly going through the same thing.’

The event was attended by a number of people and organiser Rebecca Spencer, who is healthy living team leader at the John Pounds Centre, said she was happy with how it went.

‘This is the first time we have done something like it and it was really successful,’ she said.

‘We had talks and a cooking class from dietician Azmina Govindji and from the cardiac team at Queen Alexandra Hospital. The day was all about sharing information and helping people living with diabetes.’

Lee Calladine, from the charity Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation, had a stall at the event. He welcomed it possibly becoming an annual event and said: ‘We had a very positive response and people were keen to learn more.’