A new group to support children living with type 1 diabetes and their families is launching in Colchester on 22 October.
The Diabetes UK Colchester group plan to fundraise for the charity and plan days out for the families, supporting the children to meet other children from the local area, who also live with the condition.
People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin. About 10% of people with diabetes have type 1. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable. Type 1 diabetes is treated by daily insulin doses – taken either by injections or via an insulin pump. It's also recommended to follow a healthy diet and take regular physical activity.
Sarah Elliott-Hearn (pictured with fellow committee members Jordan Hearn, Sharon Theobald and Tracey Vernon), who has two children with type 1 diabetes is setting up the new group.
She said: “Sometimes doing simple and ordinary things can feel very difficult when you have a child with Type 1 diabetes.
“You may be worried about them going on a sleepover, to the park, on a school trip or even a swimming lesson. The children and their parents can feel isolated and different, when they just want to fit in.
“Doing regular things with people in the same boat as you can be reassuring, give you back your confidence and provide you with a support network to help you navigate your way through living life with type 1 diabetes.”
David Robinson, Diabetes UK East of England Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: “We are very excited to see the launch of this group in Colchester.
“Receiving a type 1 diabetes diagnosis has a big impact not only on the child or teenager themselves, but also their entire family.
“Getting the right information and support is vital and knowing you are not alone can really help with the ups and downs of living with the condition.
“I would encourage any families in the area who are affected by type 1 diabetes to come along to the event and find out more about the group.”
