Angela Forsey is Pennine GP Alliance’s Diabetes Champion and leads on a three-year regional programme aiming to find ways to increase the number of people attending their regular health checks – specifically those with type two diabetes and who also have learning disabilities and/or severe mental illness.
Angela herself has lived experience of type 2 diabetes and was diagnosed during a regular health check six years ago. She responded to the diagnosis proactively and used her skills and experience as a personal trainer and fitness instructor to tackle the condition with exercise and a new approach to nutrition. She has also completed courses in Diabetes Care and Management and Diabetes and Nutrition.
Angela’s lived experience and awareness of the challenges facing people with Type 2 Diabetes combined with her positive attitude towards the condition made her perfect for the role of PGPA Diabetes Champion – to which she was appointed in January 2024.
‘I saw the job advertised and then went on to the PGPA website to read more – and I thought – this looks wonderful’. Today, a year into the role she says the job has exceeded her expectations. ‘It’s a job that I can do independently and use my initiative but where there is also a really supportive environment.’ Angela is looking at creative ways to approach the learning disability that might reassure and encourage them to attend regular health checks as a way of spotting or even preventing further health issues.
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