Children with Type 1 diabetes invited to weekend getaway
Diabetes UK is running a long weekend away for children living with Type 1 diabetes between the ages of eight and 10 from Saturday 28 May until Monday 30 May.
The event is open to all children living with the condition across Wales and will be held at Gwernymynydd in Mold, North Wales at the beginning of the May half term. The event will give children living with the lifelong health condition the chance to take part in climbing, bushcraft, water activities and lots of other fun activities.
During the weekend they will have the chance to meet and make friends with others who have Type 1 diabetes, perhaps for the first time.
Children will be supported by volunteer doctors, nurses and dietitians, as well as trained Diabetes UK volunteers with experience of Type 1 diabetes. Having this support will give children the opportunity to learn more about managing their diabetes and adapting their insulin according to the activities they are doing. The event is a chance for children with Type 1 diabetes to meet others facing similar issues as them, make new friends, try out new things and spend time away from home.
Places for the weekend are limited and cost £110 per child which includes accommodation, activities, trips out, food and snacks. There are various funding options available for families, which can be discussed when booking.
Diabetes UK Cymru’s Director Dai Williams said: “This weekend is a great chance for children to take a trip away from home and build more confidence to manage their diabetes. On school or club trips a child with Type 1 diabetes could feel isolated as they will have to manage their condition throughout their time but here they will be surrounded by others in the same position. Parents also have the peace of mind that their children are in the care of healthcare professionals and trained volunteers.
“We have a brilliant bursary scheme available for some families as we know cost can sometimes be an issue.”
There are around 1500 children and young people living with diabetes in Wales and most of them have Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes UK supports children with diabetes and their families by providing information and advice, options to talk to a range of others affected by the condition, and campaigning to ensure that all people with diabetes receive the care and support they need from their healthcare teams and schools.
Applications for this event and others as part of our 2016 programme are now open and places are filling up quickly. For more information and to apply please visitwww.diabetes.org.uk/care-
