We’re introducing some exciting new volunteers from the south west and south central region this month.
Our “Young Leaders” are part of our UK wide initiative, which brings young people living with type 1 diabetes together. They’re putting their best photo forward, to creatively express how their experience of living with type 1 diabetes is unique.
More about the Youth Programme
Supported by Diabetes UK, Young Leader volunteers are helping us to reach other young people, aged 11-25, living with type 1 diabetes. They’ll be involved in a range of different activities which promote positive change, and it’s also a chance for them to meet other young people, share their experiences, and have fun.
A Young Leader role is flexible. It may involve offering peer-to-peer support to young people aged 11-25. They’ll have opportunities to get involved in social media and creating content for Diabetes UK. Young Leaders can also advocate for the patient voice by sharing their experiences of care with healthcare providers.
However they apply themselves, they’ll develop CV-boosting skills and connect with other young people on their journey.
Ready to join us? Find out more.
Sorry, not sorry.
"My name is Ella I am 17 and have been diabetic for 5 years! The inspiration for this photo is that nothing is really as it seems. This represents that all may seem well but when you really look there are things that you may not have seen at first. This to me I think is important as I think that everyone has this same feeling or problem no matter who they are!"
Relaxed and chilled.
"My name is Tomas, I chose this picture to show my relationship with type 1 diabetes because I have a very controlled and relaxed relationship with my diabetes. It very rarely causes me stress, anxiety, or problems."
The ups and downs.
"My name is Annabel, this photo was taken at Devil’s Punchbowl, Hackpen Hill, Oxfordshire. This is how my picture represents my relationship with diabetes:
- The sky symbolises emotions of diabetes – some days are good (sun and blue sky), some days are not as good (rain), but most days are a mixture (cloudy).
- The rolling hills represent fluctuations of blood glucose levels day to day; the highs, and lows.
- The valley represents hypoglycaemia and the path represents diabetes as a continual journey.
- The horizon symbolises where the known and unknown meet, which is very similar to diabetes day to day. It also shows the hope for a flat blood glucose line.
- The hilltop represents hyperglycaemia."
