Diabetes Scotland has hosted the first of a series of online events about Together Type 1, an exciting programme supporting children and young people in Scotland aged 11-25 years who are living with type 1 diabetes.
Young people living with diabetes have told us that they sometimes feel isolated and lonely. Together Type 1 aims to bring together young people with type 1 diabetes to connect with others who know what living with type 1 diabetes is really like, swap stories, learn new skills and have fun along the way.
Led by volunteer Young Leaders who all live with type 1 diabetes, the programme is an authentic and safe space for young people. A place where every voice is heard. Where every young person living with type 1 can be themselves and get involved as much or as little as they like.
Together Type 1 is also designed to give young people the confidence to manage their diabetes and relationships with healthcare professionals in the way that works best for them.
Mark and Caitlin from Diabetes Scotland's youth team talked participants through the range of opportunities the programme offers and how to get involved. Young Leader Amyrose, who has type 1 diabetes, spoke about her experience with Diabetes Scotland and some of the benefits she’s experienced from being involved with Together Type 1.
Diabetes doesn't just affect you physically, it can affect you emotionally too. Participants heard about the range of wellbeing support options available in Scotland.
Mark said:
“We understand that being a child or young person living with type 1 diabetes can be challenging. So, the session included information about the range of support for children and young people our team in Scotland have developed to help with emotional health and wellbeing.”
“Coaching for Control involves our Health Coach, who is a Trainee Health Psychologist, working with a young person to identify personal goals and equip them with tools and techniques to help them move towards achieving these goals. Sessions are one-to-one, online, free of charge and open to people aged 13 – 30 years old, with all types of diabetes.”
Caitlin added:
“For parents and carers of children with diabetes, we also have our therapeutic eight-session programme AcT1on.”
For more information about Together Type 1
If you have any questions about Together Type 1 or are a Health Care Professional looking for resources to support young people you support, email: Mark.Elliott@diabetes.org.uk
To sign up to Together Type 1
Email: Caitlin.Beaton@diabetes.org.uk or sign-up online. If you are under 16, your parent or carer needs to complete our online form with your permission.
For more information about our wellbeing support
For more information and to sign up to our emotional health and wellbeing support, email: Cheryl McPhilimy cheryl.mcphilimy@diabetes.org.uk
