YOUNG PEOPLE WITH TYPE 1 AS LONELY AS A CLOUD?

Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation (DRWF) is highlighting that young people living with type 1 diabetes can find the world a lonely place. The issue is that many families with a child living with diabetes do not know anyone else with the condition. It’s a situation which has been exacerbated by the Covid 19 pandemic but now the charity is offering some fun and friendship with a free ‘Camp in the Cloud’ session this October.

“This is a fantastic opportunity which brings young people together to have an enjoyable activity-based event, with others living with type 1 and their siblings, from the comfort of their home,” explained DRWF Chief Executive Sarah Tutton. “Parents get to meet each other virtually online and chat with a Diabetes Specialist Nurse to ask questions, share experiences and offer support which lasts well beyond the Camp.”

An inaugural event last year was so successful organisers have agreed to create a second one following positive feedback. The Camp in the Cloud is organised in conjunction with Over The Wall in a charity partnership which provides an innovative, inclusive and engaging virtual programme.

“The first camp was a huge success and over 42 families joined us for a day jam packed with fun activities and workshops. Our creative comic book workshop was "Super", and the children blew us away with their imaginative diabetes hero and villain creations,” observed DRWF event coordinator Lee Calladine.

This autumn the camp will be on 16^th October 2021. The Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (DRWF) is offering free places at their Camp in the Cloud for families with a child or children living with type 1 diabetes. Camp in the Cloud is a one-day virtual camp for families with children aged 0-17 diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (one child in the household must be aged 8-17 years).

Campers are given exclusive access to the bespoke Camp in the Cloud platform, where they can engage with a mixture of online and real-life activities. There are opportunities for campers and families to interact in real-time with others who are attending the same Camp in the Cloud, through secure message boards and fun video calls. Campers are sent a ‘Seriously Fun Box’ in the post, containing every single resource they need to participate.

Xanthe Taylor attended the camp in 2020, she was only diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about eight months previously, so it was all very new to her and her family. Her mum Paula said, “Xanthe and all the family found the camp to be of great support and help, especially meeting other families with children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.”

The deadline for applications has been extended to 22^nd September and there are still over 20 family places available. Application forms and more information can be found via this link