RESIDENTS are being encouraged to come along to a special event that aims to raise awareness about diabetes, thanks to a Test Valley Borough Council grant.

The Andover and District Older People's Forum wanted to organise an event to help residents understand more about diabetes.

At an early stage, the group realised that this would cost a lot of money including the need to hire out a hall.

It is a community organisation with no regular income so it decided to apply for a grant from the borough council. 

A spokesperson from the group said: "I am delighted to say we were successful. We will have medical input from the West Hampshire Community Diabetes Service and our local Primary Care Network and an opportunity for a few questions to this panel which will also include a diabetic member of the Winchester-Eastleigh Diabetes UK Support Group."

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Wiltshire Farm Foods will also be doing taster sessions of its foods appropriate for diabetics and Andover Leisure Centre will carry out fitness exercise sessions.

Borough councillor Zilliah Brooks said: "It’s always good to hear about the brilliant work that the Andover and District Older People’s Forum are doing, as they do such great things for the community.

"I’m delighted that we have been able to help in the form of a Test Valley Borough Council grant and I’m sure that it will contribute towards making the event a big success. I look forward to hearing all about it in October."

There will be refreshments and a raffle. 

The event will be held at Andover Baptist Church on Thursday, October 5 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.