Engage with supportive groups that motivate and inspire self-improvement.
My Journey with Diabetes UK By Dolly Bhaskaran, M.Sc. I began my career as a health professional with the NHS in 1988, and I have always taken immense pride in my work. Over the years, I held various roles, each significant in its own way. My colleagues and I formed a close-knit team, sharing not only our professional responsibilities but also moments of camaraderie over tea and meals. Our work was both enjoyable and serious, and I cherished every moment. In 2002, my life changed dramatically when I suffered a stroke and was hospitalised. While I was in the hospital, doctors diagnosed me with multiple conditions, one of which was diabetes. This diagnosis came as a shock, as I had always been healthy, active, and rarely unwell. My first diabetes check revealed an unusual pattern: my fasting glucose was high, but my post-meal glucose was lower. Although my doctor reassured me not to worry when I asked questions, I still felt concerned. Due to my medical condition and organisational changes, my manager advised me to consider redundancy. After careful thought, I agreed, and I retired shortly thereafter with a good pension. At that time, my diabetes was well controlled. My GP had suggested insulin, but I was hesitant due to my mother’s adverse reaction to it. I continued with oral medication, and, as agreed with my GP, my HbA1c returned to forty-two, eliminating the need for insulin. Diabetes runs strongly in my family—both my parents and five of my siblings are diabetic. After retirement, we relocated, and I began volunteering. 2 years after retirement, I discovered opportunities with Diabetes UK and immediately joined as a volunteer. Through Diabetes UK, I learned to conduct risk assessments and travelled throughout my community to offer this service. I found this work deeply rewarding. I also completed the speaker programme, which enabled me to become a community champion for Diabetes UK. There were times when my diabetes became unstable, and my GP again recommended insulin. During these periods, Diabetes UK was my lifeline. I relied on their helpline and educational leaflets, which provided practical advice that often proved more helpful than clinic visits. By applying what I learned, I was able to regain control of my diabetes. I also faced other health challenges that required hospitalisation and multiple endoscopies. Since no cause was identified, my doctor stopped the Metformin and prescribed a different medication. My pharmacist warned me to monitor my heart, and within a year, I developed a heart condition which came with more complications. My doctors tried with Ozempic which was given me more side effects and I discontinued. Nothing was working and I just felt without any medicine is better and just continued with one tablet of gliclazide. Despite these setbacks, I continued my work as a community champion, organising events and distributing Diabetes UK literature to raise awareness. The community welcomed us warmly, and many expressed that speaking with community champions was more helpful than visiting their GP for diabetes information. These moments of appreciation made us feel proud and validated the importance of our work. Although my diabetes remains unstable, I have not received much specialist support from doctors. In 24 years, I have never seen a diabetes consultant. I manage my condition with the invaluable support of Diabetes UK, and I am deeply grateful for the difference they have made in my life. @ Dolly Bhaskaran, M.Sc. Living in Harmony, Slough (2nd Jan 2026)
We provide resources and programs aimed at equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed health-related decisions.
A collection of guides and materials to help individuals take charge of their own health and wellness. Living in Harmony
Workshops focusing on educating individuals about managing their personal health effectively and understanding health-related information.
Comprehensive workshops designed to educate participants about preventive health measures and self-management techniques for holistic well-being. Workshops on Reiki self healing Self Management Obesity Healthy Ageing Loneliness
Personalized evaluations to identify areas for improvement in daily habits, promoting sustained health and preventive care.
Healing practices—whether emotional, spiritual, physical, or holistic—play a powerful role in strengthening the health of a person. When people feel supported, connected, and empowered to take care for themselves, the entire community benefits. This prevents social isolation and loneliness. Healing Helps a person in many ways : 1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety • Healing practices like Reiki, Reflexology, Meditation, Breathwork, Yoga and gentle touch help calm the nervous system. • Lowering of stress improves sleep, mood, and overall resilience. 2. Encourages Self Awareness and Self Care • People learn to listen to their bodies and emotions. • This leads to healthier choices, early help seeking, and better long term wellbeing. Thus promote self-management and prevent illness. 3. Builds Social Connection • Group healing sessions,and workshops create safe spaces where people feel seen and valued. • This reduces loneliness and isolation—major contributors to poor health and promotes social interaction 4. Supports Emotional Healing • Many individuals carry unspoken burdens and hidden stress. Healing practices offer a non judgmental space to release emotional tension. • This improves confidence, clarity, and emotional balance. 5. Complements Medical Care • Healing does not replace medical treatment, but it can support recovery by improving relaxation, positive mindset, and overall wellbeing. • People feel more in control of their health journey. 6. Strengthens Community Resilience • When individuals feel well, they contribute more positively in their interactions, with people and community groups. • Healing fosters compassion, kindness, patience, and mutual support Reiki Healing Testimony "I came to Reiki at a time when I felt overwhelmed, tired, and emotionally drained. From the very first session, I felt a deep sense of calm that I hadn’t experienced in years. The gentle energy helped me release tension I didn’t even realise I was holding. Over the next few weeks, I noticed I was sleeping better, thinking more clearly, and feeling lighter in myself. Reiki didn’t just help my body relax—it helped my mind settle and my heart open. I felt more connected to myself and more hopeful about the future. It gave me the strength to take better care of my health and to show up more fully for my family and community. I am truly grateful for the healing and balance it brought into my life.-----" A friend @ Dolly Bhaskaran 07/01/26