The Lanzarote Diabetes Association (Adila) has been forced to leave what has been its headquarters for almost eight years. "It was ceded by an individual and he has decided to reclaim his apartment, which he is obviously fully entitled to do", explained the president of the group, Fabiola Morales, who in response has called on the institutions of Lanzarote for help in order to continue with their activity or, at least, to have a place to store all their material and furniture.
And, although this association receives an annual subsidy from the Cabildo, its president states that "it is insufficient to be able to rent a premises". "Years ago we had a subsidy of 30,000 euros, but in 2018 it was reduced to 5,000 euros, which meant we could only be active for three months. And this year we have fought and it has been increased to 10,000", explained Fabiola Morales, who, however, stated that with this they are just about able to pay the staff. "And we are talking about one person hired, not four, so if we have to pay rent, with what we have in subsidies it is impossible", she pointed out.
"And they granted us one of 6,000 euros from the Cabildo, from a project that we presented with the previous councillor, but it was never deposited, we don't know why. Supposedly it was an error of the institution, but we never obtained those 6,000 euros", said Morales.
Contacts with the Cabildo and the Arrecife Town Hall
Thus, after receiving the news that they have to leave what has been their headquarters since February 2012, the president of the Lanzarote Diabetes Association states that two days ago she contacted the Cabildo and met with the Minister of Social Welfare, Marcos Bergaz.
"But there is no response. There would be possible subsidies for the rent, but we would be talking about 2020, in the new budgets", said Fabiola Morales who, in view of this, has indicated that she is also trying to contact the Arrecife Town Hall. "Because at least we need a place to store all our furniture, brochures, material...", she added.
More than 9,000 people with diabetes in Lanzarote
Among the activities that this association carries out, Morales highlighted the advice that is offered "day by day" to users. "We also take care of the diabetic debut, which is the most critical point for any person when they discover they have diabetes, but now we are not going to be able to give all this advice", said the president of Adila, who nevertheless pointed out that they are "looking for alternatives" so as not to have to paralyse the activity.
"We are talking about more than 9,000 people with diabetes in Lanzarote, a disease that kills much more than HIV, cancer and Alzheimer's combined", said Fabiola Morales.
In addition to advice, the Lanzarote Diabetes Association carries out activities to promote integration and inclusion "as there are people reluctant to see people injecting themselves", as well as working on the prevention of type 2 diabetes, promotes healthy lifestyle habits, gives talks and workshops and trains teachers in educational centres about diabetes, as well as running summer camps and co-existence events, among other activities, according to its president.
