The Children’s Diabetes Team based at the Royal Gwent Hospital work with children wth diabetes across Newport, Torfaen, Monmouthshire and Caerphilly. They help children gain confidence in managing their condition as they grow up.
Claire Baker, paediatric dietitian, wrote this blog post about the work of the team and how children enjoy fun activities together outside the hospital.
“As well as the day-to-day clinical management of diabetes, we also organise a number of extra curriculum events for the children. These events have been extremely popular and the feedback is always very positive.
“Children and young people can often feel isolated and may not know others young people with the condition. The events provide them with the opportunity to meet other young people with diabetes and also gain confidence and skills for managing their diabetes independently, as well as having lots of fun.”
The events include:
Hilston Park activity day
“This fun and action-packed day is open to all children with diabetes aged between eight and 13. Activities have included canoeing, climbing, cycling and gorge walking which are all supervised by qualified instructors as well as the diabetes team. Families have reported that the children had lots of fun and gained confidence in managing their diabetes.”
Teenager activity day
“We also organise an activity day for our older teenagers at the Celtic Manor. Activities include crazy golf, archery, laser quest and high ropes. Again the young people reported they benefited from the day and found it useful to meet other young people with diabetes.”
Transition day
“Moving from primary school to secondary school can be a big change for any child. However having a chronic condition can make it even harder. Each summer the team organise a transition day for all young people about to start in secondary school.
“This day helps the children learn how they can manage their condition in and around school. They get the chance to make friends with young people who have diabetes and are in a similar position. It includes team building activities and workshops, and the children are reassured that their diabetes can be managed efficiently in the school environment.”
Education Club
“Diabetes education club is run over six weeks where children are educated more about their diabetes. Each week the children are taught about a certain aspect of diabetes. They stay for an evening meal so they can put the knowledge they have learnt into practice.”
Christmas Party
“At Christmas time we arrange a party for the younger children. This event is really beneficial to the parents as they get to meet other parents with young children who suffer from the same condition. The children really enjoy themselves and make new friends as well as meeting Santa which is often the highlight of the party.
Fundraising- Can you help?
“We do not receive any funding for these events and we try to keep parent contributions to a minimum. The events are funded by our charitable fund, and we are reliant on fundraising by our families.
“We have had some excellent fundraising events but our funds are now running low. We need to appeal to families for any fundraising activities or we will not be able to run all the activities next year.”
Information
Call Claire Baker, paediatric dietitian, on 01633 234288
