Supporting families living with or affected by diabetes across the province, Diabetes UK Northern Ireland is set to host a family wellbeing event at the Ecos Hub in Ballymena this month.
The event is coordinated by the charity’s ‘Our Lives Our Voices’ programme which is geared towards young people between the ages of 11-25 who are living with type 1 diabetes.
Taking place on Saturday, 18th November from 9.30-3pm, the event, created alongside AWARE and Action Mental Health, will offer participants the opportunity to connect with other families and young people in the area.
Families will also meet with healthcare professionals experienced in supporting young people living with type 1 diabetes for advice and information. Within this setting, attendees can learn more about their health and wellbeing and find strategies that can support them in managing their diabetes.
Roxanne Small, Diabetes UK Northern Ireland Engaging Communities and Volunteering Manager, said:
“We’re really pleased to be able to offer an event of this kind to young people and their families in the Ballymena area and beyond who are affected by type 1 diabetes. This event provides a really welcoming and friendly space for young people and their parents or carers to share their experiences, establish meaningful connections with peers, and benefit from the expertise of a variety of healthcare professionals."
“As part of our ‘Our Lives Our Voices’ project, these events play a crucial role in empowering young people living with type 1 diabetes to build knowledge and confidence in managing the condition. Over time we have seen the incredible difference having a community to lean on for advice and support can make – we really do encourage interested families to come along and experience this first-hand for themselves,” added Roxanne.
Marina McCully, Head of Education and Training at AWARE, said:
“We are proud to partner with Diabetes UK on the Our Lives Our Voices project, and are looking forward to this event. We hope it will raise awareness of the impact diabetes can have on emotional wellbeing, help those living with diabetes to maintain good mental health and highlight the support available in the local area.”
Laura Euler, Action Mental Health Service Manager, said:
“We’re delighted to support this fantastic educational event that will support the aims of the Our Lives Our Voices project and help give participants the tools to deal with the some of the many challenges that they may face, both mentally and physically.”
To reserve your place for the event or to learn more about the Diabetes UK Our Lives Our Voices project, please contact ourlivesourvoices@diabetes.org.uk.