“Many hands make light work” – that was the thinking behind a series of diabetes workshops designed to help people better manage their condition and make lasting lifestyle changes.

In June 2025, more than 50 Aucklanders living with diabetes took part in self-management workshops led by a range of health care professionals. The series was a collaboration between three primary-care focused groups, which aimed demonstrate the value of team-based care and highlight the role of nurses and allied health professionals in general practice. The healthcare expertise included:

• Nurses and clinical assistants from Health New Lynn Medical Centre

• A clinical pharmacist and a care coordinator funded through ProCare’s Comprehensive Primary and Community Team (CPCT)

• Health improvement practitioners (registered wellbeing advisors) and a health coach from Te Tumu Waiora, as part of Fresh Minds.

In each two-hour session, all the health care professionals contributed their unique advice and experience to support participants in managing not just their diabetes, but their overall physical and mental health.

The workshops proved to be a learning opportunity for everyone involved.

Commenting on the workshops, Gabrielle Lord, General Manager of Practice and Clinical Services and Nursing Director at ProCare was inspired to hear from the team leading the sessions.

One health professional reflected on the value of hearing different clinical perspectives.

“When I listened to others present and interact with participants, I thought about how my advice could complement theirs. Since diabetes often coexists with other conditions like stress or a sedentary lifestyle, there’s real value in this kind of cross-disciplinary input.”

Participants also found value in the shared experience.

Lord said bringing people together who are on a similar journey can completely change how they understand their challenges and how they find solutions.

One participant mentioned struggling with insulin injections, noticing that insulin would sometimes squirt back out. Another participant offered a simple but effective tip: hold the needle in for 10 seconds.

“It was an ‘aha’ moment for both of them, proof that lived experience is a powerful teacher.”

The presence of a diverse clinical team also helped build trust.

“With so many different healthcare professionals in the room, participants could see they weren’t alone. That sense of safety and support was there from the very beginning.”

The sessions sparked meaningful engagement.

“People were asking questions, sharing stories, and connecting. It’s so rewarding in sessions like these to see the care and confidence growing in the room,” concludes Lord.

The workshops were funded from a one-off Health New Zealand self-management fund.

Over the past year 35,000 people have benefited from the support delivered through ProCare’s Comprehensive Primary and Community Teams. Last week funding for the clinicians was confirmed to continue until June 2026 – a testament to the value these roles bring to our practices and communities.