Help improve the lives of children with diabetes in school.
This campaign has been in the news recently, read the story here:
Schoolchildren with health conditions go to Downing Street for better support
Gordon Brown's response to Diabetes UK
Taking the campaign to Westminster - we matter
On November 18 2008, to mark the anniversary of this campaign - and tying in with 2008's World Diabetes Day theme of children and young people - over 200 children attended a lobby of Parliament at Westminster.
It was a chance for the children to give MPs the message that 'we matter', highlighting the need for better support for children with diabetes at school.
You can see how they got on in this video:
Background
This part of the campaign, which launched on 14 November 2007, World Diabetes Day, is a partnership between Diabetes UK, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, INPUT and UK Children with Diabetes Advocacy Group, which aims to make a difference to the lives of children with diabetes.
There are around 20,000 children with diabetes in the UK. Sadly, too many of them get a raw deal at school - some of them are excluded from school trips or other curricular activities, others have been prevented from snacking when they need to and some parents have been forced to give up work in order to go into school to monitor blood glucose levels and administer insulin as there’s no one available who can do this for young children.
Yet some schools are able to provide excellent support to children with diabetes, training staff so they understand the condition and ensuring children can take part in all activities.
Other ways to get involved
Help represent children with diabetes
Diabetes UK is also looking for parents who would be willing to speak to the media about your experiences of having a child with diabetes in school. Call 020 7424 1000 and ask to speak to the Press team if you are interested ASAP. Coaching and support are available.
Advocacy support for families
Diabetes UK has prepared an advice pack for families of children with diabetes, who are experiencing difficulties at school. You may also find the Medical Conditions at School website helpful.