EPUT Diabetes self management education and support (DSMES) programme 2026

Newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (within 12 months of diagnosis)

This 3 hour course is designed for people who are just starting their journey of living with Type 1 diabetes. The course aims to empower you on your life long journey of living with diabetes. Subjects covered on the course are – what is type 1 diabetes, what do the blood tests mean, basics on insulin and carbohydrate counting.

Max group size: 15
Location: Hawthorn Centre Union Lane, Rochford SS4 1RB
Time: 10am to 12.30pm

Dates
Tuesday 3 February
Tuesday 5 May
Tuesday 4 August
Tuesday 3 November

Carbohydrate counting, Type 1 and 2 diabetes

This course is delivered over 3 hours and can be used as a refresher for people already carbohydrate counting for their meals and would like an update, or for people new to carbohydrate counting and want an initial insight. 

Max group size: 15
Location: Hawthorn Centre Union Lane, Rochford SS4 1RB

Diabetes and travel, via Microsoft Teams

This virtual session supports people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes to travel safely and confidently. It covers practical planning, managing medication and blood glucose while travelling, dealing with time zones, illness, and emergencies, and accessing support away from home. Delivered by the community diabetes team, the session helps build confidence and supports safe self-management while travelling.

Location: Hawthorn Centre Union Lane, Rochford SS4 1RB

Dates and times
Monday 22 April, 7.30pm-8.30pm
Tuesday 9 June, 7.30pm-8.30pm

Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE)

We are an established DAFNE centre with 4 qualified DAFNE educators within the team. DAFNE aims to help adults with type 1 diabetes lead as normal a life as possible, whilst also maintaining blood glucose levels within healthy targets, to reduce the risk of long-term diabetes complications.

There are different ways in which you can complete a DAFNE course, either on a face-to-face DAFNE course or a Remote DAFNE course – a blend of online learning with virtual group sessions. Please contact our DAFNE admin Amanda to enquire for more information and availability: [email protected]

Max group size 6 to 8, Location varied.

Remote DAFNE course

Please be aware that in order to complete the remote DAFNE course you will need to complete and attend Day 1, Day 2 and 1 further day of the 3 remaining days as well as complete all the online learning.

Pre assessment 18 December 2025 for 8 January 2026 course.
Pre assessment 23 October for 6 November 2026 course.

Pre Assessment 27 March 2026 for 24 April 2026 group

Pre assessment 23 October 2026 for 6 November 2026 group

Face to face DAFNE course (1 day per week for 5 weeks plus ½ day follow up)

Please be aware that in order to complete the 5 by1 DAFNE course you will need to attend week 1, week 2 and complete one further week of the 3 remaining weeks and attend the missed session (S) at another Dafne course ideally within 12 weeks.

Pre assessment 22 May 2026 for 4 June 2026 course
Pre assessment 11 September 2026 for 28 August 2026 course

Pre assessment 28^th August 2026 for 11^th September 2026 group

Gastroparesis support group

Navigating life with delayed gastric emptying. 

This support group is dedicated to individuals living with T1D and gastropareses.  The group aims to offer a compassionate and informative space to connect with others facing the challenges of managing gastroparesis, share experiences and learn strategies for improving daily life.

Tuesday 29 September 2026

Recognising the early signs of diabetes burnout.

This is run in collaboration with Therapy for you services

This course is designed to help individuals with Type 1 diabetes identify the early signs of diabetes burnout and develop effective strategies to manage it. Diabetes burnout occurs when the emotional, mental and physical demands of managing the condition become overwhelming. Recognising the early warning signs is crucial to enable you to seek support and improve wellbeing.

Max group size: 15
Location: Hawthorn Centre Union Lane, Rochford SS4 1RB

Dates and times
Wednesday 27 May, 10.00am-12.30pm
Monday 6 July, 10.00am-12.30pm
Wednesday 18 November, 10.00am-12.30pm

Supporting a loved one with diabetes

This session is designed for carers, family members, and loved ones who support individuals living with diabetes. The course focuses on building awareness about diabetes, recognising and learning key terms and concepts (e.g. hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia) and how to support and promote better health outcomes.

Max group size: 15
Location: Hawthorn Centre Union Lane, Rochford SS4 1RB

Dates and times
Monday 15 June, 1.30pm-4.30pm
Monday 3 August, 9.30am-12.30pm

Type 1 diabetes and exercise

This support group is designed for individuals living with T1D who are interested in integrating exercise into their daily lives in a safe and sustainable way. This group provides a space for sharing experiences, tips and challenges relating to managing blood glucose levels during physical activity.

Max group size: 15
Location: Hawthorn Centre Union Lane, Rochford SS4 1RB

Dates and times

Face to face
Monday 11 May, 9.30am-12.00pm 
Monday 9 November, 9.30am-12.30pm or 1.30pm-4.00pm

Virtual via Microsoft Teams
Monday 16TH February, 7.30pm-8.30pm
Tuesday 9 June, 12.30pm-1.30pm

Type 1 diabetes and illness management

Managing illness with T1D; strategies for optimal health.

This course is designed to help individuals with T1D understand how to effectively manage their condition during periods of illness. Whether dealing with common colds, flu, infections or more serious illnesses, this course provides essential knowledge on how illness can affect blood glucose levels, insulin needs and overall diabetes management. Participants will learn practical strategies for maintaining control of their diabetes during times of illness.

Max group size: 15
Location: Hawthorn Centre Union Lane, Rochford SS4 1RB

Dates and times
Monday 13 April, 9.30 to 12.30

Type 1 diabetes and Peri-menopause and menopause

This course is designed for women who are navigating the challenges of menopause. Menopause can significantly impact glucose control, hormonal balance, and over all wellbeing, and understanding how these challenges intersect with T1D is essential for maintaining health during this transitional phase of life. We aim to provide practical tools, evidence based insight and emotional support for managing both conditions simultaneously.

Max group size: 15
Location: Hawthorn Centre Union Lane, Rochford SS4 1RB

Dates and times
Friday 29 May, 9.30am to 12.30pm
Tuesday 22 September, 9.30am to 12.30pm

Type 1 diabetes and activity, via Microsoft Teams

This virtual session supports people with Type 1 diabetes to manage blood glucose safely during all types of physical activity, from daily movement to structured exercise. Participants will learn how activity can help manage diabetes, plan their activity, adjust insulin and carbohydrate intake, prevent hypoglycaemia, and respond to high or low blood sugars. Delivered by the community diabetes team, the session promotes confident, safe self-management while staying active.

Location: Hawthorn Centre Union Lane, Rochford SS4 1RB

Dates and times
Tuesday 17 March, 12.30pm-1.30pm or 7.30pm-8.30pm
Monday 18 May, 12.30pm-1.30pm or 7.30pm-8.30pm

Type 2 insulin essentials. For those on multiple daily injections

This face-to-face session is designed for people with Type 2 diabetes who are starting or adjusting multiple daily injection (MDI) insulin therapy. Over three hours, participants will learn practical skills for safe insulin use, blood glucose monitoring, dose adjustments, and managing hypoglycaemia. The session also covers lifestyle considerations, problem-solving, and strategies to support confident self-management. Delivered by the community diabetes team, it provides hands-on guidance in a supportive environment.

Location: Hawthorn Centre Union Lane, Rochford SS4 1RB

Dates and times
Monday 20 April, 9.30am-12.30pm
Monday 15 June, 9.30am-12.30pm
Monday 3 August, 1.30pm-4.30pm
Monday 19 October, 9.30am-12.30pm or 1.30pm-4.30pm

Type 2 diabetes insulin essentials, face-to-face

This face-to-face session is designed for people with Type 2 diabetes who are starting or adjusting insulin therapy, including once-daily or mixed insulin regimens. Over three hours, participants will learn practical skills for safe insulin use, blood glucose monitoring, dose adjustments, and managing hypoglycaemia. The session also covers lifestyle considerations, problem-solving, and strategies to support confident self-management. Delivered by the community diabetes team, it provides hands-on guidance in a supportive environment.

Type 2 GLP-1 management

This session is designed for people with Type 2 diabetes who are starting or using GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy. Participants will learn how GLP-1 medications work, how to use them safely alongside other diabetes treatments, monitor blood glucose, and manage potential side effects. The session also covers lifestyle considerations, problem-solving, and strategies to support confident self-management. Delivered by the community diabetes team, it provides practical guidance and expert support in a patient-focused setting.

Location: Hawthorn Centre Union Lane, Rochford SS4 1RB

Dates and times
Monday 9 March, 1.30pm-4.30pm
Monday 10 August, 1.30pm-4.30pm