Tell us about your organisation, why and how you started, and what you do.
Global Diabetes Initiatives began in the Republic of Ireland in 2014 as a support group for individuals and families affected by diabetes. It was founded by Dr Matilda Chongwa, inspired by her mother’s 38-year experience of living with diabetes and the physical, emotional and financial impact the condition had on her family. This personal experience motivated her to turn pain into purpose by creating an organisation that provides education, practical support, hope and compassion.
Registered as a charity in England and Wales on 15 November 2022 (Charity No. 1201020), Global Diabetes Initiatives now works across Wolverhampton, the Black Country, Birmingham and Crewe, as well as internationally in Cameroon.
Our work focuses on diabetes, hypertension and the wider factors affecting health and well-being. We provide free health screenings, prevention and self-management education, healthy-living workshops, emotional well-being support, digital inclusion, conversational English, creative activities and community outreach. We also deliver inclusive physical-activity programmes, including tennis, football, cycling and community walks.
In addition, we undertake community-based research, including a qualitative hypertension study supported by the City of Wolverhampton Council Public Health Team. We work closely with NHS services, universities, public-health teams, Rotary, sports organisations, faith groups and voluntary-sector partners.
Our purpose is to reduce health inequalities, prevent avoidable complications, identify undiagnosed conditions and empower people to take greater control of their health one person, one screening and one conversation at a time.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Our greatest achievement has been transforming lived experience into lasting community impact. From a small support group in Ireland, Global Diabetes Initiatives has grown into a registered UK charity delivering Community health checks, education, research, physical activity and well-being programmes in Wolverhampton and beyond.
We have provided more than 700 community health screenings within a recent four-month period, helping residents identify previously unknown health risks and access support earlier. We also hosted a major diabetes symposium at Wolverhampton’s Park Hall Hotel and Spa, bringing together more than 250 people for education, professional learning and shared lived experiences, with WVCA as a valued sponsor.
Over the past year, we have supported more than 6,500 people and built a network of approximately 145 volunteers. However, our proudest achievement is the trust communities place in us and knowing that one family’s experience of diabetes is now helping to create healthier futures for many others.
What has been your experience of the support received from WVCA?
Our experience of WVCA has been extremely positive and empowering. Its guidance, training, networking opportunities and funding information have strengthened our organisational capacity, increased our visibility and helped us build valuable partnerships across Wolverhampton.
We particularly appreciate WVCA’s support for our REN project, which enabled people living with diabetes to share their experiences of accessing GP appointments, NHS services and wider healthcare. This helped identify barriers, engage isolated residents and inform ideas for improving support.
WVCA also awarded us £1,000 towards our Diabetes Symposium at Park Hall Hotel and Spa, attended by more than 250 people. The event raised awareness of diabetes prevention, early diagnosis, self-management and complications.
WVCA’s belief in our mission has increased our confidence and demonstrated the importance of collaboration in creating lasting community change.
What advice would you give to others looking to establish a voluntary group in Wolverhampton?
Start with a clear purpose, genuine passion and a strong understanding of your community’s needs. Listen to local people and involve them in developing appropriate solutions.
Begin with small, achievable activities, remain consistent and keep accurate records showing your impact. Strong governance, clear roles, transparent financial systems and appropriate policies are essential for building trust and sustainability.
Develop partnerships with public services, businesses, universities, faith groups and voluntary organisations, and make use of WVCA’s training, networking, funding information and guidance. Above all, remain patient, resilient and accountable because small actions delivered consistently and with care can create lasting change.
Have you benefited from funding opportunities or resources shared through WVCA’s newsletters or social media? If so, what impact has this support had?
Yes, Global Diabetes Initiatives has benefited from funding, training, networking events and resources shared through WVCA’s newsletters and social media.
These opportunities supported our Cycling UK activities, including learn-to-ride sessions, led rides and bicycle maintenance; the REN project, which explored barriers faced by people with diabetes when accessing GP and NHS services; and a £1,000 contribution towards our Diabetes Symposium, attended by more than 250 people in 2024.
WVCA’s support has strengthened our knowledge and partnerships, reduced isolation, encouraged healthier lifestyles and helped us deliver programmes that respond directly to the needs of Wolverhampton residents.
What challenges do you face, and how could WVCA support your organisation in the future?
Global Diabetes Initiatives faces several challenges, including limited access to long-term and core funding, increasing demand for services, volunteer recruitment and retention, and the need for affordable, accessible premises. We also require sustainable resources for health and digital equipment, creative materials, volunteer training and essential running costs.
WVCA could support our future development by helping us identify and apply for multi-year funding, strengthen our governance and bid-writing capacity, promote volunteer opportunities and connect us with businesses willing to contribute equipment, expertise or resources. Support in securing suitable premises, developing sustainable income opportunities and strengthening partnerships with voluntary and statutory organisations would also be valuable.
Continued collaboration with WVCA would help us build a stronger organisational foundation and respond safely, effectively and sustainably to the growing needs of Wolverhampton’s communities.
Where can people find out more about your organisation?
People can visit Global Diabetes Initiatives every Thursday at The Hub, near Wolverhampton Train Station, or contact us through the following channels:
Website: globaldiabetesinitiatives.com
Events: globaldiabetesinitiatives.com/events
Email: info@globaldiabetesinitiatives.com
Telephone: 07888 633977
Facebook: Global Diabetes Initiatives
LinkedIn: Global Diabetes Initiatives
We welcome enquiries from residents, volunteers, healthcare professionals, funders, community organisations and potential partners who share our commitment to reducing health inequalities and improving community well-being.