Sadie’s story is one that has stayed with us – and one we’re proud to share.
As part of this month’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month theme “Who inspires you?”, we wanted to shine a light on someone whose determination has inspired our whole team. While we’ve helped Sadie navigate parts of the system, her drive to improve her health and wellbeing – in the face of personal loss and systemic barriers, is what truly stands out.
In a society where Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities continue to face widespread bias – not just from the public, but at times within services themselves – Sadie’s story reminds us why inclusive, respectful care matters. It’s also a testament to the power of self-advocacy, community connection and the impact one person can have on others around them.
Sadie first connected with us during one of our visits to Renewed Hope — a local charity supporting vulnerable community members in Redhill. As a regular visitor, she felt comfortable having her blood pressure and blood sugar checked by our team when she saw the pop-up session taking place. The results revealed signs of diabetes, and we supported her referral to a GP. She’s now receiving ongoing monitoring and care.
Building trust
Sadie told us how much she appreciated the time our nurse spent explaining her condition, her medication, and realistic ways to manage her health. It gave her clarity and confidence to take the next steps.
She later shared that she was struggling to order repeat prescriptions online due to low digital access and limited literacy. After speaking with Nurse Alison and our advocate team, we explained that her local pharmacy could help by requesting her medication on her behalf every month or two. We also advised her to book an appointment with another GP at her practice, and to ask for a note on her records to inform the prescribing team of her communication needs – something she hadn’t known was possible. This small adjustment has already started making a difference.
Enabling self-management in the community
Although Sadie has always been proactive about using local services to support her health and wellbeing, receiving a diabetes diagnosis helped her increase the activities she was already doing, and commit even more fully to improving her physical and mental health.
She shared with us that after losing her 30-year-old daughter during the pandemic, she felt strongly that antidepressants weren’t the right route for her. Instead, she chose to focus on cold-water swimming, cycling, art, and community connection as ways to support her healing. Since then, through conversations with Eva, Alison and our wider team, she’s more determined than ever to continue that journey, and to help others do the same.
Staying active, staying connected
Sadie has now given up smoking, and knows our Smoking Cessation support is there if she chooses. Her weekly routine includes swimming in Merstham, visits to her local leisure centre, cycling, and taking part in creative groups in Redhill.
Although she lives independently, she still visits Renewed Hope regularly – both to stay connected and to offer support to others. She’s even invited us to visit her local venues, where she’s putting her wellbeing plan into action every day.
“Merstham has had a lot of investment to improve local services,” Sadie said. “I want to make the most of it and help others do the same.”
What Sadie’s story shows us
Her story highlights the impact of community-based, person-led care, and the importance of listening, explaining, and enabling. It reminds us that Inclusion Health isn’t just about access to services, it’s about practical advocacy, autonomy, and relationships built on trust.
We’re grateful to know Sadie and continue supporting her as she supports others – living proof of how people, when given the right information and support, can take charge of their own health and help their communities thrive.
Duriye Beidas, Equity Advocate and Eva Bangova, Equity Development Manager, Alliance for Better Care
*Please note: Patient name changed to maintain confidentiality.
