HEAL-D – Healthy eating and active lifestyles for diabetes

HEAL-D (healthy eating and active lifestyles for diabetes) is a 7-week group-based diabetes self-management programme. It is for members of the Black African and Black Caribbean community with type 2 diabetes.

The programme is online and you will be in small groups.

A group environment provides:

• support to help you make changes to your lifestyle
• encouragement to continue
• social interaction

How to access the programme

You can ask your GP or other health professional to refer you. You need to be registered with a GP in a south London borough.

You can self-refer. Please complete the HEAL-D self-referral form. Your health professional can help you complete the self-referral form.

You can also contact us.

Changing or cancelling your appointment

Phone: 020 7188 2010

Email: gst-tr.heald@nhs.net

Please call or email us as soon as possible to change or cancel your session.

If you do not attend the sessions, we will discharge you back to your GP.

Before you start the programme

You'll have a telephone appointment before you start your group sessions. At your appointment we will give you more information about the programme. You will complete a short health questionnaire to make sure it is the right programme for you.

We will book the sessions on a day and time that is convenient for you. Sessions take place on Monday evenings and Wednesday afternoons.

You'll need access to the internet and a device such as a laptop or iPad with video and microphone. Your appointment letter will tell you how to join your video sessions.

During the programme

Your session will be online. You will be in a small group.

The sessions will last 2 hours.

1 hour will be an informal discussion on an area of diabetes and health. Each week we will introduce a new topic. A registered dietitian or physiotherapist will take the sessions. 

Sessions include:

• nutrition coaching and workshops
• a practical cooking class
• information and support about diabetes
• information about blood pressure and heart health
• goal setting tips and support to help you maintain the changes to your lifestyle

You will have 1 hour of physical activity with a physiotherapist. Classes will be suitable for all abilities.

Visit the HEAL-D website to find out more information about the programme. 

After completing the programme

You will have a telephone call to give your feedback.