29/09/2023

New Dedicated Diabetes Care Hub Opened In North Belfast

A new, dedicated information and support hub for people living with diabetes has been officially opened in north Belfast.

Belfast Lord Mayor Ryan Murphy joined Diabetes UK staff to mark the official opening of the new Diabetes UK Northern Ireland Live Well Hub at the Houben Centre.

The Belfast Hub is the third of its kind launched by the leading diabetes charity as part of a five-year project, with sites already established in Ballymena and Bangor. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the hubs provide a one-stop-shop for diabetes related information, advice and support from both local healthcare professionals and members of the Diabetes UK Northern Ireland team.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: "Diabetes is the fastest growing serious health condition and it negatively impacts so many people's lives in Belfast. There's currently no known cure for any type of diabetes, but the good news is that with the right treatment, knowledge and support, people with diabetes can lead a long, full, and healthy life.

"In The Belfast Agenda, we've committed to addressing health inequalities with our city partners, so that we can improve quality of life and wellbeing for all our residents. This new Live Well Hub at the Houben Centre is going to help so many people - and I'd like to pay tribute to all the staff who will be providing this essential service."

Commenting on the launch of the new Live Well Hub, Diabetes UK Northern Ireland Director, Tina McCrossan, said: "We are really excited to see our Live Well Hub project expand with the opening of this new resource in north Belfast, an area which holds the highest prevalence of diabetes in the Belfast Trust. In this setting, members of the local community can access helpful resources, discuss their questions with healthcare professionals and connect with peers – all of which can go such a long way in helping them live well with diabetes.

"We were delighted to see such a great turn out at our official launch and look forward to welcoming members of the Live Well Hub back for our upcoming meetings in the months ahead," added Tina.

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