Translink has appointed Diabetes UK Northern Ireland as its first ever official Charity Partner.
The partnership will raise awareness about diabetes amongst Translink employees, passengers and the wider public as well as highlight the local support network available to help people manage the condition.
Around 70,000 people of all ages are diagnosed with diabetes in Northern Ireland and it is estimated that up to 10,000 people here have the condition but are unaware of it.
Announcing the new partnership, Catherine Mason, Translink Group Chief Executive, said:
“Most people will know someone affected by diabetes and this partnership is a real opportunity to raise the profile of diabetes in Northern Ireland.
“As a large business, with around 4000 employees and delivering 77 million passenger journeys per year, we want to harness our potential to support the charity and raise awareness on the important work it delivers at a local level.
“We recognise our responsibility towards the health and wellbeing of our employees, passengers and the wider public and already promote public transport use as part of a healthy lifestyle. This partnership is a perfect fit to help highlight how even simple lifestyle changes can lower the risk of developing this serious condition.
“We are planning an exciting employee and passenger engagement programme and look forward to making a positive difference to the lives of people in Northern Ireland who are affected by diabetes,” said Catherine.
Iain Foster, National Director for Diabetes UK Northern Ireland said:
“We are delighted to have been chosen as the Charity Partner for Translink, particularly as it’s the first partnership they have entered into. Over the next two years we will work together to provide information and advice to employees as to how to prevent Type 2 diabetes or, if they have diabetes, how to best manage the condition.
“We will also reach out to the thousands of passengers who use Translink’s services to increase awareness of the symptoms of diabetes in a bid to diagnose the estimated 10,000 people in Northern Ireland who have diabetes but don’t know it.
“The funds raised will go towards Diabetes UK services such as care events, research, information, support and campaigning activities,” said Iain.
Diabetes kills more people in the UK than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. It requires effective management to lower the risk of long-term complications such as kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke and even limb amputation.
Translink has also recently signed up to Business in the Community’s ‘Business Action on Health’ Pledge as part of the organisation’s Go Healthy strategy.
