We want the Western Australia diabetes community to be a place where friendships flourish, your voice is heard and everyone works together for a brighter future.  

Welcome to our Community Network, where that vision becomes a reality! 

Diabetes WA is wanting to build a more structured way for consumers to get involved in our organisation. We want to ensure that the voices of West Australians living with diabetes are reflected in our actions. The Diabetes WA Consumer Involvement Initiative is designed to create a community that creates a strong sense of belonging, while being a powerful force for advocacy. 

We provide quality diabetes services that greatly improve outcomes and quality of life, but, to do that, we need your considered and meaningful involvement at all levels of the organisation.    

Our community network is an evolving hub designed to bring together people living with diabetes, as well as their families and carers. Anyone can join, no matter where they live in Western Australia. 

The Diabetes WA Community Network is more than just an association. It’s a hub for connection, collaboration and support. Whether you’re interested in local events, sharing your skills or representing the wider diabetes community, our network is here for you. It’s a chance to work together to provide a collective voice to share your stories and advocate for your needs. 

Our network can help you: 

Build Connections: Meet others living with diabetes who share your interests and passions. 

Share Resources: Post about local diabetes events, offer your skills or find help when you need it. 

Support Each Other: Participate in initiatives that strengthen our community, from volunteering to diabetes specific projects.  

Our Community Network has four levels of involvement.   

Level 1: Surveys and feedback forms   

Distributing surveys allowing us to build our knowledge on various topics. These can cover diabetes community needs, interests and suggestions for improvement. 

Level 2: Event participation   

Telling your story and advocating for diabetes awareness at events to create change. Your experiences can educate others, reduce stigma and foster a sense of community. By sharing your journey, you contribute to a larger movement that seeks to improve the lives of those living with diabetes, inspiring hope and encouraging healthier choices for everyone. 

An example of involvement at this level would be, volunteering at HBF run for a reason, sending out a communication to your local MP or planning a consumer network social opportunity. 

Level 3: Focus groups andworkshops   

Being actively involved in workshops is a powerful way to lend your voice to the diabetes community. By sharing your experiences and collaborating with others, you contribute to a collective understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with diabetes. Together, we can advocate for meaningful changes, foster support and empower one another in the journey towards better health and well-being. 

Some examples where this group will be involved are research projects, service design and planning or focus groups. 

Level 4: Consumer network representative   

Representing the wider diabetes community voice across Western Australia is vital for effective advocacy and meaningful change. By moving beyond individual representation and uniting as a collective, we can ensure that diverse experiences and needs are acknowledged and addressed. Together, we can create a stronger, more supportive community that advocates for better health outcomes, increased resources and a greater understanding of diabetes. 

An example of involvement at this level would be, membership of internal or external committees, attendance at external meetings, media opportunities, social media influencing, presentations to community groups or Diabetes WA ambassador.  

Does this sound like a community you would like to be apart of?  

The process of information gathering and capturing individual experiences is crucial for creating a thriving diabetes community. By actively listening to our consumers and embracing their stories, we can foster a more inclusive, responsive and engaged diabetes community.  

Together, we can build a community that truly reflects the voices of people living with diabetes. 

Join us and be part of the change! 

If you’re interested in joining our community network or have any questions, contact Diabetes WA today to get involved. 

communitynetwork@diabeteswa.com.au 

1800 001 880