RESIDENTS in Cherwell are being given all the tools to change their lifestyles and help manage their Type 2 Diabetes, even during Covid-19.

Managed by Cherwell District Council and funded by Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, the GO Active Get Healthy programme has been running in north Oxfordshire for the last four years, providing the latest advice and wellbeing offers to patients needing assistance with controlling their diabetes.

ALSO READ: Work starts on 'urgent' 48-bed critical care unit in Oxford

Cherwell District Council’s lead member for health and wellbeing, Councillor Andrew McHugh said: “The GO Active Get Healthy programme is a lifeline for people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, giving them the opportunity to seize the initiative and do something positive to take control of their condition.

"Even during lockdown, help is available from the Cherwell team for those living with diabetes.”

The free, six-month service normally helps around 10 new people each month on their journey to better health, but since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, these numbers have dropped significantly, leading to concerns from health professionals that people are silently struggling alone.

Oxfordshire GP, Ellen Fallows, is also a clinical lead for the NHS Type-2 Diabetes remission pilot. Dr Fallows said: "During lockdown, it is more important than ever to keep active to boost your mood and keep your blood sugars healthy.

"Type-2 Diabetes increases the chances of becoming seriously unwell from Covid-19; getting support through GO Active Get Healthy will give you the motivation you need to stick to your goals and keep going."

ALSO READ: Oxfordshire's NHS staff 'furious' over 1 per cent pay rise

To help patients during lockdown, the GO Active Get Healthy programme has been made even simpler to access, with people now able to self-refer rather than waiting for a GP to sign them up.

Several additions have also been made to the scheme, enabling members to get the most out of the programme, even when gyms and leisure centres are closed.

These include dedicated telephone support, an ‘exercise at home’ pack with free pedometer and premium access to the latest NHS-endorsed EXi App, with built-in activity tracker and bespoke exercise prescription plan.

Once leisure centres and sports organisations reopen, patients will then be given access to a range of wellbeing offers to help increase their levels of activity. This includes substantial savings at council-run leisure centres such as £1 for a gym induction, £1 per class and £1 for a swimming session.

Tanveer Siyan, from Bicester has already benefited from the programme. She said: “When I heard of the GO Active programme, I took the opportunity to support my physical and mental health. I went to the gym at least twice a week and swimming once a week.

ALSO READ: Met Office issue yellow weather warning for winds in Oxfordshire

"I lost 10kgs, the insulin I took was halved and my mental health improved significantly. I am extremely grateful for this programme. Thank you GAGH and Cherwell District Council.”

If you’d like more information on the programme, for yourself or a relative, head to www.cherwell.gov.uk/GoActiveGetHealthy or www.getoxfordshireactive.org