Organisation

Diabetes is up to 6 times more likely in people of South Asian descent and up to three times more likely in African and Africa-Caribbean people. Furthermore, up to 80% of those who develop diabetes will be diagnosed with at least two other chronic conditions), which complicates treatment and recovery. Our vision is to relieve comorbidity and multimorbidity in BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) adults diagnosed with diabetes, by promoting primary and secondary prevention activities, such participating in vaccination programmes that strengthen the immune system, or attending medical exams and screening tests, in order to detect illnesses at their earliest stages, and prevent them from getting worse.

This is the first UK charity specifically addressing diabetes-related comorbidity and multimorbidity in BAME adults. Existing charities supporting diabetes patients offer a broad array of services that may include but don’t specifically address diabetes-related comorbidities in BAME diabetes patients.

A Steering Committee comprising allied health professionals oversees research projects and ensures adherence to protocol and charity objects. The group may also include at least two volunteers, who will be members of the public. The volunteers provide information based on their own direct experience of diabetes and related comorbidities in relation to the BAME community.

Like other charities we are required to provide an annual report which explains what our charitable purposes are and what the charity has done during the year to carry out those purposes. The report also sets out our strategy in more detail and provide an assessment of what we have achieved. Finally, the report will also contain the year’s accounts for the charity

This remains the number one challenge, especially for a new trust. Like other charities, we rely heavily on donations, grants, and gifts. We may consider introducing membership subscriptions, and are hoping to receive sponsorships (donations in substance rather than payment for goods and services). Legacy funding isn’t expected to be a major source of income for a new charity.

Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic we rely heavily on technology to deliver many services, such as raising awareness through online webinars, or administering novel psychological interventions in a virtual environment.

As a new charity without name recognition building public trust constitutes a significant challenge, at least for the first few years. Nevertheless, we expect trust to build up steadily, especially within the BAME community, through continued engagement, social media presence, and other publicising initiatives.

Staying optimistic can be difficult in these challenging times. However, given the continued increase in diabetes rates across the BAME community, with COVID-19 as an infectious and serious comorbid condition, we believe that the presence of a charity specifically set up to address early detection of diabetes-related comorbidities in BAME diabetes patients will have both short and long-term benefits for the community.