Utilita’s Energy Hub in Newport is marking Diabetes Awareness Week by helping to raise understanding of the condition and encouraging open conversations among Isle of Wight residents.
The national awareness campaign, running from 8th June until 14th June, is focused on the theme ‘strike out stigma’, highlighting that diabetes is not a choice and should not be associated with blame.
The Newport-based Hub is using the week to provide support, practical advice and information to those living with long-term health conditions that can be affected by energy use and household costs.
Leading the initiative is Claire Barrett, an Energy Expert at Utilita who lives with Type 1 diabetes.
Claire, who manages her condition through insulin injections and continuous glucose monitoring, is sharing her own experiences to help challenge misconceptions surrounding diabetes.
Claire Barrett, Energy Expert at Utilita, said:
“Living with Type 1 diabetes is something I manage every minute of every day. I have to inject insulin and constantly monitor my blood sugar levels, whether I’m at work, at home, or out in the community. It never switches off.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that diabetes is caused by lifestyle choices or that people have done something wrong.
Article continues below this advertisement “That simply isn’t true. Nobody chooses to have Type 1 diabetes, and part of what we’re doing this week is helping people understand that.”
The Hub is encouraging visitors to discuss their experiences and ask questions in what it describes as a supportive, judgement-free environment.
Staff are also highlighting the importance of reliable heating and electricity for those managing health conditions, including the safe storage of medication and the charging of monitoring devices.
Claire said:
“For people with diabetes, energy isn’t just about keeping the lights on – it’s essential for storing medication safely, charging monitoring devices, and staying comfortable to help manage blood sugar levels. At the Hub, we’re here to listen and to help people find practical solutions that work for them.”
Throughout the week, Hub staff are available to offer guidance on energy efficiency, managing bills and accessing additional support services.
She continued:
“We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel understood and supported.
“By sharing my own experience, I hope it encourages others to talk openly and realise they’re not alone. Challenging stigma starts with conversation, and that’s exactly what we’re creating here at the Hub.”
The Utilita Energy Hub is located at 121 High Street in Newport and is open Monday to Saturday. On Thursdays, staff take part in community outreach activities across the Isle of Wight.
The Hub provides free advice, support and resources to residents, as well as a free-to-use community space for local groups.
