Local families are invited to Diabetes UK Cymru event
Diabetes UK Cymru is holding a free one day event in Cardiff for families who have a child with Type 1 diabetes on Saturday 20 September.
The day aims to give children and their parents information and advice as well as a chance to get to know other families who have been affected by the condition. The event will be held at the Sports Wales’ National Centre in Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens and is open to families from across Wales with children aged between four and 17 years old who have Type 1 diabetes.
The full programme for parents and guardians will include an opportunity to hear from a range of diabetes experts and find out more about the support available for families affected by diabetes in Wales.
Young people aged between 11 and 17 will have the chance to spend time with members of Diabetes UK Cymru’s Young People’s Programme. This group is made up of people aged between 18 and 30 who are living with Type 1 diabetes and understand the challenges of living with this condition. They will deliver workshops and offer practical advice to help give them the confidence to manage their condition.
Children aged 10 and under will enjoy their own programme, which includes fun activities and the opportunity to spend time with other children who are living with the condition.
Victoria Allcock and her husband Lewis Allcock decided to go to last year’s family event in Swansea after their daughter Olivia (pictured above), who is now four, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. She said: “We attended the family day because it wasn't long after Olivia's diagnosis and we needed to talk to other parents in the same position as us, as we were really struggling to come to terms with our daughter’s diagnosis.
“I would highly recommend this event to parents of children with Type 1 diabetes to find out about the advancements in the treatment of diabetes and opportunities to meet other families.”
There are an estimated 1300 children living with Type 1 diabetes in Wales, which is a lifelong condition that doesn’t have a cure and isn’t related to being overweight. Diabetes UK Cymru supports children with diabetes and their families by providing information and advice, giving opportunities to talk to a range of others affected by the condition, and by campaigning to ensure that all people with diabetes receive the care and support they need from their healthcare professionals and their schools.
Diabetes UK Cymru’s National Director Dai Williams said: “Our family days are a fantastic way to meet other children and families living with diabetes. Families get to share their experiences and find out more about the support that is available to them. Having a child with Type 1 diabetes myself, I know that speaking to other families going through exactly the same thing can be a lifeline.
“The day gives parents and children the opportunity to gain the skills, confidence and knowledge to live with and manage diabetes.”
This year’s event will start at 9.30am and end at 4.00pm is completely free of charge and open to families from across Wales. A buffet lunch will be provided.
Another family event will be held in St Asaph in North Wales on Sunday 16 November. To request a registration pack for either event or for more information please email wales@diabetes.org.uk or call 029 2066 8276.
Pictured above is Olivia Allcock attending last years event after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
