Our diabetes support groups allow individuals to ask, receive and provide support in an informal setting with both peers and diabetes educators.

DECNET SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY:

English Diabetes Support Group (In person)

• An informal environment in which group members can receive support from both peers and DECNET diabetes educators
• Facilitated by diabetes educators
• First or Second Monday of the month at East End Community Health Centre at 2.30 – 4.00pm

English Diabetes Support Group (Virtual)

• An informal virtual environment in which group members can receive information and support about diabetes and wellbeing from DECNET staff and peers
• Facilitated by diabetes educators and health promoter
• Third Wednesday of the month on Zoom at 2:00 – 3:00pm

Chinese Diabetes Support Group (Virtual)

• An informal environment in which group members can receive support from both peers and DECNET diabetes educators in Chinese
• Facilitated by diabetes educators
• Third Monday of each month
  • Mandarin 10-11:30am
  • Cantonese 1:30-3pm

Bengali Diabetes Support Group (In person)

• Offered in  collaboration with our Bengali Seniors’ Active Living Centre, this is an informal environment where clients can receive support and information with one of DECNET’s diabetes educators in Bengali
• Tuesdays, every other month at Crescent Town Club
• Facilitated by a Bengali-speaking diabetes educator
• At 11.30am – 12.30pm

Diabetes in the Real World- Advocacy Group (Currently on hold)

Diabetes in the Real World Committee (DRW) is a group of community members who meet regularly to raise awareness about issues faced by individuals living with type 2 diabetes.

Open to anyone who:

• Has been impacted by type 2 diabetes
• Is passionate and would like to make a difference
• Would like to share experiences, ideas for change, and take action!

Outreach Programs/ Initiatives

DECNET is actively involved in outreach initiatives that work towards connecting with individuals who may experience barriers to health and health care access and are impacted by diabetes. Some examples include:

• Shelters for the homeless/under-housed (e.g. Heyworth House)
• Community and supportive housing (e.g. Houselink and Habitat Homes)
• Neighbourhood- specific locations (e.g. Crescent Town)
• Community or language-specific centres (e.g. Harmony Hall)
• Population-specific centres (e.g. 416 Community Centre for Women and Mainstay Housing)
• Faith based community service groups (e.g. St. John’s Compassionate and Mustard Seed)

For more information about the support groups, advocacy group and outreach initiatives please call 416-461-9043.