Ross-shire man nominated for national honour in Diabetes Scotland Inspire Awards
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AN inspirational Highland volunteer has been nominated for a top national award by a Scottish charity.
Evanton man Jeff Foot has been nominated for a Diabetes Scotland Inspire Award in recognition of his contribution towards the diabetes community locally and nationally.
Mr Foot, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 44 years, is up for the Campaigning and Influencing Award.
Mr Foot said he was flattered to have been nominated for the award, adding that it was important to campaign in order to influence policy-making and bring about change for the diabetes community.
He said: “I feel an obligation to do what I can to help others and I’ve found that the skills I have are best used in influencing decision makers to be better informed when deciding on policies. It’s important to do this because not everyone can, and if those who can, don’t bother, then there might not be enough people doing it to make the difference we need.
“Diabetes Scotland’s ‘It’s Missing’ campaign is hugely important, but I see my participation in the Scottish Diabetes Education Advisory Group and supporting Diabetes’ Scotland’s Advisory Council as also being really important valuable ways of contributing.
“I am very flattered to be nominated for an award and it’s lovely to be recognised, whether I end up being in the frame or not.
"But I don’t need recognition as a motivator. I’m really pleased on behalf of the Diabetes Scotland team who work so hard to enable make contributions from people like me possible. If they weren’t there, it would be much harder to be involved.”
The Inspire Awards celebrate Diabetes Scotland’s dedicated volunteers, who campaign to improve the quality of care available to people with diabetes, fundraise for research and raise awareness about how to live well with the condition, for both those who have been diagnosed and also their family and friends.
Angela Mitchell, National Director of Diabetes Scotland said: “Jeff is a fantastic support to Diabetes Scotland.
"As well as sharing his lived experience, he is very knowledgeable on many issues affecting people who live with diabetes including mental health and technologies that can support people to live well.
"His contribution is always valuable and we are very lucky to have him as a member of our Scottish Advisory Council and an active campaigner.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of our volunteers whose hard work and dedication make an enormous difference to the diabetes community.
"Our volunteers are out there working hard day in and day out to support people living with diabetes and we want them to know how much we appreciate everything they do.”
News of the nomination comes amid Diabetes Week (June 8-14), during which Diabetes Scotland has been encouraging people with diabetes to share #TheBigPicture of life with diabetes.
Diabetes Scotland wants people to share their "triumphs as well as the setbacks; the persistent frustrations and small victories; the laughter and tears".
People are invited to share their #TheBigPicture stories on social media and tag @DiabetesScot and @DiabetesUK.
Meanwhile, in recognition of the lockdown's impact on mental wellbeing, Diabetes Scotland is also encouraging people to join new online peer support groups, yoga and mindfulness sessions. Anyone interested is invited to email scotland@diabetes.org.uk for more information and log in passwords.
Diabetes Scotland is still on hand to support people living with the condition with the team working from home.
Email scotland@diabetes.org.uk or get in touch via Facebook.com/DiabetesScot or Twitter @DiabetesScot. Alternatively, contact the helpline on 0141 212 8710 (Monday to Friday 9am-6pm).
Visit www.diabetes.org.uk/scotland for more details.
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