Inverness group Highland Youngsters with Diabetes wins national title at Inspire Awards
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The work of a Highland volunteer group has been recognised with a national award from charity Diabetes Scotland.
Highland Youngsters with Diabetes collected the local group and communities title at the charity’s annual Inspire Awards.
It has been supporting children with Type 1 diabetes and their families for 22 years.
Although based in Inverness, the reach of the group includes families in Skye, Fort William, and Caithness. Led by chairwoman Sarah Maclean, the self-funded group organises events throughout the year to bring families affected by diabetes together including a visit to the pantomime at Christmas, group parties and a summer camping trip.
“Winning the award was just fantastic,” she said. “Our committee members put in so much time, love, passion and effort into our group and supporting members. We aim to organise activities that the family as a whole can enjoy. To have this recognised is such a humbling feeling.”
She joined the group five years ago when her son Seumus was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes shortly after his first birthday. She joined the committee and stepped up to become chair in March this year.
“When my eldest son Seumus was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes it was a huge blow to our family,” she said. “I initially felt very alone and very scared about the future; the enormity of it all terrified me.
“But just in the first few days following diagnosis, I was made aware of our fantastic group. The support received from some of the members in those early days was amazing and I’m very lucky to be able to call these mums and dads my friends.
“As Seumus has grown older, he’s becoming more aware that he is 'different' which is why I find the group to be so important. Seumus is always so excited when he meets up with his 'pump buddies' and it’s lovely to see them compare their latest pump pouch or Dexcom or Libre site and sticker!
"For myself as a parent, being able to share experiences and be with parents who just 'get it' is like a weight being lifted off my shoulders. There’s always somebody to ask questions or talk to if you need – even at 3am!”
Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications. With the right treatment, knowledge and support people living with diabetes can lead a long, full and healthy life.
Sarah added: “To families in the Highlands who have just received a Type 1 diagnosis for their little one; it is so overwhelming. In the days, weeks and months following that day, everything changes.
"So many new things must suddenly be considered, new information must be learned, and new routines started. But if and when you need some friendly support, the Highland Youngsters With Diabetes group will be there for you. I’ve made some wonderful 'Type 1 mum' friends and Seumus has made some wonderful friendships too. Seeing him play, take part in and enjoy the activities and trips we organise with his peers is such a fantastic feeling.”
Diabetes Scotland has a network of local groups across Scotland. They offer people affected by diabetes the chance to get together, share experiences, offer support, increase their knowledge and understanding of diabetes, and engage in social events.
Angela Mitchell, national director of Diabetes Scotland, said: “Highland Youngsters with Diabetes is a wonderful group which reaches out across the whole region. Congratulations to the whole group for their well-deserved award win.
“Our volunteers are out there working hard in the community day in and day out. Our much-needed work wouldn’t be possible without their incredible support and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of our incredible volunteers who make an enormous difference through their support.”
The Inspire Awards celebrate Diabetes Scotland’s dedicated volunteers who campaign to improve the quality of care available to people with diabetes, fundraise for pioneering research and raise awareness to stem the rising tide of diabetes.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer for Diabetes Scotland, or to join a local support group, email scotland@diabetes.org.uk or call 0141 245 6380.
