NEWS
UK Northern Ireland has launched a mental health and
emotional Wellbeing Programme for young people with T1D.
Taking care of mental health
O
ur Lives, Our Voices
is the them of a
Wellbeing Programme
created by young
leaders in diabetes
to support others in gaining confidence
and managing all aspects of their
condition. Funded by the National Lottery
Community Fund NI, the project aims to
create a safe space where they can talk,
learn and feel part of a community.
The day-to-day aspects of diabetes
management have a real impact on daily
life, and young people are three times
more likely to experience psychological
problems than those without diabetes.
Diabetes UK research revealed that
the relentless nature of diabetes could
impact people's emotional, mental and
psychological wellbeing and health. This
can include day-to-day frustration and
low mood, specific psychological and
mental health difficulties such as clinical
depression and anxiety.
The charity also found that 7 out of 10
people living with diabetes feel overwhelmed
by the everyday demands of the condition,
which significantly affects their mental and
physical health. The charity launched the It's
Missing campaign to highlight the need for
emotional and mental health provision as
part of diabetes care.
T1D in NI
Diabetes UK Assistant Director for Local
Impact, Dr David Chaney, said, "This is
a really exciting opportunity for young
people in Northern Ireland living with
Type 1 diabetes. We know that there
is a real need for emotional and mental
health support, and when you are living
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REPORT
with the constant demands of Type 1
diabetes that support has been lacking.
This programme changes this. We are
so proud of the young leaders currently
participating in the Our Lives, Our Voices
project working in partnership to design
the Wellbeing Programme, which will be
delivered across all five Trusts in Northern
Ireland.
"Mental health has never had a bigger
public profile, and it is timely that now the
Our Lives, Our Voices programme will be
made available to the local young Type 1
diabetes community. The constant fingerpricking, checking bloods, managing a
relentless, lifelong condition, trying your
best to live your life and balance all the
demands of diabetes management can
take its toll emotionally. Get in touch if you
are aged 13-25 years - you are not alone,
support is available, and together we will
work towards a world where diabetes can
do no harm."
This new programme is partnering
with local mental health charities AWARE
and Action Mental Health.
Contact
If you are aged 13-25 years and living
with Type 1 diabetes in Northern Ireland
and want to find out more or take part
in the Our Lives, Our Voices Wellbeing
programme call Diabetes UK Northern
Ireland on 028 9066 6646 or email
ourlivesourvoices@diabetes.org.uk