The Diabetes and Wellbeing (DWELL) project was an international programme, funded by the EU, with the aim of helping people living with type 2 diabetes self-manage their condition.

In partnership with Medway Community Healthcare, Blackthorn Trust, Kent County Council and the Health and Europe Centre, academics from Canterbury Christ Church University engaged local people with diabetes in the programme, making an important contribution to empowering them to live better and have the tools to effectively manage their health and wellbeing.

The project provided individual support and advice to patients with a ‘pick and mix’ offering of wellbeing activities, information sessions, and lifestyle recommendations, to help them find their own path in managing their diabetes, and make empowered choices to live well.

Healthcare partners facilitated the programmes for their patients, while academics at Canterbury Christ Church evaluated the programme’s results. So far, significant positive changes have been evidenced, across metabolic health such as weight loss and BMI reduction, as well as improvements in self-care attitudes and responses to medical advice, as well as a rise in optimism for treatment and life with diabetes.

Professor Eleni Hatzidimitriadou, Professor of Community Psychology and Public Mental Health at Canterbury Christ Church University, said: “We are delighted that the DWELL project has been recognised by the national QIC Diabetes Awards with this nomination, celebrating our strong research partnerships with regional NHS providers, local authorities and the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector."

The QiC Diabetes Awards recognise, reward and share innovative practice demonstrating quality in diabetes management, education and services for people with the condition and/or their families.