Diabetics are being urged to join a patients group.

Primary care trust NHS North East Essex is appealing for people to attend its diabetes patient forum.

The group, launched last year, aims to help patients influence services in their area.

Linda Jewsbury, diabetes public health nurse for the trust, said: “The forum provides local diabetes sufferers with a voice and an arena for them to tell us what they think of the healthcare they are receiving and how it can be improved.

“This helps us to shape and design services in line with what the patients want and need.”

The group’s next meeting is at the Primary Care Centre, Turner Road, Colchester, on August 3 between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

Call 01206 286858 or email linda.jewsbury@northeastessex.nhs.uk for more information.