Diabetes Foundation Aotearoa, like any community based organisation has evolved over the years in terms of the services being delivered. Based in the Otara community, for years the team ran well attended exercise groups in a number of community venues, the last two still run by the Foundation team finished in 2014.
These groups were part of the then DPT Lifestyle Programme, funded by the Ministry of Health (or predecessor). They were seen as an important part of the local communities, getting people with diabetes or at risk of diabetes up and moving by being able to attend these safe, family friendly sessions in easy to get to places. Venues such as Te Puke ō Tara in Otara, Nga Tapuwae community centre, Mangere Town Centre, and various churches. There were also demonstration events in other public spaces. Exercises were designed to be safe for people who had multiple health issues, with chair versions provided, first aid on hand, and of course, the ever present glucose meter and sweets in the first aid kit.
Team members from Diabetes Foundation Aotearoa carried the exercise sessions out, the most prolific instructor was our own Trish Harry who still works with the Foundation today. I'm sure many also remember Isileli and Malaki driving the van on their regular pick ups to make sure those without transport could attend. Some may even remember one of the guys stepping in, or another team member, to cover for an absent instructor.
Attached are a few photos going back to the early 2000's. Let your mind drift to some of the songs that never failed to get even the most reluctant participant moving - from Trish's playlist, such favourites as 'Lets Twist again' (Chubby Checker), 'Waka-waka' (Shakira), 'Sweets for my sweet' (Drifters), 'I wanna dance with somebody' (Whitney Houston), 'Greased Lightning' (John Travolta), 'Hooray Hooray, it's a holiday' (Boney M).
