A group has been set up in Kingston for people with diabetes, after research by Diabetes UK showed people wanted support dealing with emotional and mental health issues.

In the survey, 621 people of different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds from across London gave their experiences and told of their hopes and fears.

A quarter of respondents wanted a local support group.

That’s why Diabetes UK helped to set up a local group in Kingston that offers support to people living with diabetes, run by volunteers and where members get the chance to meet and share experiences.

Roz Rosenblatt, Diabetes UK’s head of London, said: “Living with diabetes can be exhausting, and people tell us that they don’t want to give in to feelings of depression and anxiety. What they need instead is support to manage a serious health condition well and protect their emotional wellbeing and mental health.

“The Kingston support group provides the opportunity to talk about what it’s like to live with or care for someone with diabetes, without blame or stigma. It’s a safe space where emotional needs are treated with equal importance to physical needs, and members can talk about diabetes from their own experiences.

“At Diabetes UK we are committed to helping people live well with diabetes and to make more initiatives that connect people possible. No one should feel unsupported and alone with their diabetes.”

The Kingston Diabetes UK Voluntary group meets on Tuesdays in Lecture Room 1 in the Education Centre, 5th Floor of Surgical Centre Building, Kingston Hospital, KT2 7QB at 6.45pm. For more information email kingston.diabetesukgroup.org.uk.