02/07/2025
We are intensifying our efforts in addressing rising health inequalities across the region, with a particular focus on the growing prevalence of diabetes. Currently, over 17,500 individuals in the Western Trust area are living with diabetes, and a further 10,500 are at risk through pre-diabetes.
Evidence shows that people living in poverty are 2.5 times more likely to develop diabetes and twice as likely to suffer from its complications. Alarmingly, 5 of the 15 most deprived wards in Northern Ireland are located within the Western Trust’s catchment area, underscoring the urgent need for targeted, early intervention.
In response, the Western Trust Health Improvement Department, in collaboration with The Old Library Trust and a wide range of community partners, hosted a Pre-Diabetes Planning Workshop aimed at designing a coordinated and sustainable early intervention programme.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders including representatives from:
- Western Trust Health Improvement Team
- The Old Library Trust
- Developing Healthy Communities
- Diabetes UK Northern Ireland
- Neighbourhood Health Improvement Project Management Board
- Health Development Workers
- Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy Managers
- Acorn Farm, and others
United by a shared vision, the group worked to co-design an integrated approach to diabetes prevention—focusing on empowering at-risk populations to make healthier lifestyle choices, reduce the onset of Type 2 diabetes, and ultimately improve health outcomes in some of the most deprived communities in the region.
A highlight of the event was the participation of George McGowan, Director of The Old Library Trust, and Carol Doherty, representing the Western Trust, who were joined by service users from the Live Better Pre-Diabetes Pilot Programme. Their testimonies and lived experiences provided powerful insight into the programme’s success, emphasising its impact on real lives and reinforcing the need for long-term investment and expansion.
Thanks to the collective efforts and shared commitment of those involved, the workshop successfully laid the foundation for the rollout of a pre-diabetes education and intervention programme across Neighbourhood Renewal Areas within the Western Trust.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in reducing the burden of Type 2 diabetes, promoting health equity, and fostering resilient, healthier communities.
For further information on the programme, please contact Patti Thornton: patti.thornton@westerntrust.hscni.net
