Game of Stones
A New Way to Support People with Type 2 Diabetes
⭐The Game of Stones Programme is a community-led, behaviour-change programme designed to help adults with Type 2 diabetes lose weight, improve their health, and move toward remission.
Unlike strict diet programmes, Game of Stones focuses on motivation, personalised support, and real lifestyle change — all delivered in trusted community spaces.
💬 Why This Programme Exists
Many diabetes programmes rely on strict diets, shakes, or intense calorie restriction. For many people — especially those from diverse cultural backgrounds — these approaches simply don’t work.
Game of Stones was created to offer something different:
support that is personal, culturally appropriate, and genuinely achievable.
💡 What Makes Game of Stones Different?
🥤 Not Just Another Diet
The NHS “Path to Remission” uses soups and shakes for rapid weight loss.
Game of Stones takes a completely different approach:
✔ No extreme diets
✔ No total meal replacements
✔ No one-size-fits-all plans
Instead, we focus on behaviour change, motivation, and sustainable habits.
🤝 Meaningful One-to-One Support
Every participant is matched with a Lifestyle Coach who speaks their language, understands their culture, and supports them throughout the programme.
💬 Motivation That Actually Works
We use proven behavioural tools like regular text reminders and check-ins to keep people on track.
💷 Cash Rewards for Progress
Participants are rewarded for their hard work:
• £50 for losing 5% of their body weight (3 months)
• £150 for losing 10% (6 months)
• £200 for maintaining the weight loss for a further 6 months
Motivation + support = real results.
👉 Want to Learn More?
We’re here to support people through a journey of healthier habits, renewed confidence, and long-term wellbeing.
If you would like to refer patients or understand more about how the programme works in your area, get in touch — we’re happy to help.
📨elena@northfieldcommunity.org
Download our flyer:
🌟 What Participants Receive
✔ Personalised nutrition and physical activity plan
✔ Friendly, ongoing 1:1 support from a Lifestyle Coach
✔ Workshops on healthy eating & physical activity
✔ Low-level mental health and wellbeing support
✔ Regular motivational texts
✔ Access to local classes and community activities
✔ Cash rewards for hitting their goals
This programme is designed to meet people where they are.
📋 Eligibility Criteria
To join the programme, participants must:
✔ Be 18 or older
✔ Have an active diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes
✔ Have a BMI of 27.5 or above
✔ Live within the local delivery partner area
✔ Consent to share data and be motivated to make changes
HbA1c criteria:
• If on diabetes medication: HbA1c 43–75 mmol/mol
• If not on diabetes medication: HbA1c 48–75 mmol/mol
Exclusions:
• On insulin
• Pregnant
• HbA1c above 75
• High risk of hypoglycaemia or hypotension (clinical judgement)
📝 Referral Procedure
Referrals must come through the GP because clinical information is required.
How referrals work:
1. The GP identifies eligible patients using the criteria above.
2. The GP completes a referral form on Plinth, our secure referral platform.
3. The referral includes key clinical data:
o HbA1c
o BMI
4. Our Lifestyle Coach team receives the referral and contacts the patient quickly to begin onboarding.
5. We handle all engagement, assessments, and support from that point forward.
This process keeps it simple for practices while ensuring safe, clinically informed care for participants.
💷 How the Programme Saves the NHS Money
Type 2 diabetes costs the NHS around £2,500 per patient per year.
When someone reaches remission, these ongoing costs dramatically reduce.
With 120 people expected to reach remission, the NHS is estimated to save:
💰 £7.5 million over 25 years
That’s better health for people — and long-term savings for the healthcare system.
🎯 Why People Choose Game of Stones
People join because they want:
• Support that is personal and culturally relevant
• A friendly coach who understands their life
• A programme they can stick to
• A real chance at remission
• Motivation and rewards
• A supportive, community-based experience rather than a medical one
Game of Stones gives people the confidence and support they need to transform their health.
