Living with type 1 diabetes can be scary, overwhelming, and at times lonely.
Our youth-led projects aim to change that. They are dedicated communities for young people to share experiences, learn new skills, and help shape campaigns for better care and support.
But most importantly, it’s a chance to connect and have fun with people who know what it really feels like to live with diabetes.
Eibhlin and Rosie head up the South East Coast and London team's Youth Programme, known as Together Type 1, which is funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation. Together, they are recruiting and supporting a group of Young Leaders to deliver peer support.
They're also creating a programme of virtual and in-person events, engaging with healthcare professionals and designing social media content to support and positively impact the health and wellbeing of other young people with type 1 diabetes
Learn more about our Young Leaders, events for people living with type 1, and their latest news and opportunities below.
If you live with type 1 diabetes or care for someone who does, complete this form and a member of our team will be in touch!
Events
Watch this space and our Instagram for news of our upcoming events!
Wednesday 30 October 11am to 4pm In Person 11 to 15 year olds | Tree of Life at the Turner Contemporary, Margate The Tree of Life is an interactive activity developed by psychologists to help people talk about their lives. Creating a personal Tree of Life will help young people feel stronger and more positive about life with diabetes. This one-day session supports young people to develop problem-solving skills to help them deal with challenges that life with type 1 diabetes throws their way. |
Stories
- Read Freya's experience of living with diabetes at school.
- Read Aimee's story, about being diagnosed at 12 years old, and how it inspired her to become a Young Leader.
- Read Katie's story and learn how a desire to help others with type 1 diabetes led her to become a Young Leader.
Opportunities
- Become a Young Leader (16-17) - London
- Become a Young Leader (18 - 25) - London
- Become a Young Leader (16 - 17) - South East Coast
- Become a Young Leader (18 - 25) - South East Coast
News
Our Young Leaders visit Health Secretary in Westminster
Our Young Leaders Freya and Rayaan visited Westminster in June together with Diabetes UK Chief Executive Colette Marshall to share their experiences of accessing diabetes tech.
They met Victoria Atkins, the then Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who shared her own story of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of three.
Freya says: “The best thing about meeting the Secretary of State for Health was that I was able to tell her my experiences and answer questions that may help push policies further along.
“I am pleased to be helping influence change surrounding type 1 diabetes and healthcare. I was surprised by how valued mine and Rayaan’s experiences were as well as the work of Diabetes UK as a whole.”
Young Leaders are the backbone of the #TogetherType1 community. They use their experiences to help change the lives of people aged 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes.
