Forth Valley group nominated for Diabetes Scotland award

A Forth Valley voluntary group has been nominated for a national award by Diabetes Scotland.
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Forth Valley T1D Families, which supports the families of children living with Type 1 diabetes, was nominated for a Diabetes Scotland Local Group and Community Inspire Award in recognition of its contribution and support of the diabetes community across the region.

Group chairwoman Julie Catlin has also been shortlisted for a Reaching Out and Connecting Award while her son Harris (11) is in the running for the Young Person’s Outstanding Contribution Award along with fellow group member Jorja Muir.

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Forth Valley T1D Families run an online page offering support for parents, carers and family members of children with diabetes.

Forth Valley T1D Families children Joe Mellor, Cameron Browne, Jorja Muir and Harris Catlin.Forth Valley T1D Families children Joe Mellor, Cameron Browne, Jorja Muir and Harris Catlin.
Forth Valley T1D Families children Joe Mellor, Cameron Browne, Jorja Muir and Harris Catlin.

Before the coronovirus lockdown the group regularly hosted ‘cuppa and catch up sessions’ to engage with newly diagnosed families and catch up with members.

The group also enjoyed organising fun free events for children and siblings every month. This included trampolining, segwaying and roller skating.

Such events allow the children to meet and have fun with others who are living with the same condition and they are always a great success.

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However, the global pandemic has meant a shift in focus to continue offering support to families across the region.

Julie said: “The committee feels truly honoured to be nominated for an Inspire Award. We don’t do what we do for recognition but because we enjoy helping others.

“Covid-19 has affected everyone but we continue to be available online for our families. We had some amazing plans for our families this year but they have had to go on hold until things are safe again.

“Instead we have been holding virtual ‘cuppa and catch up’ sessions for the adults via Zoom and have had a quiz and scavenger hunt for the children. We have lots of other virtual plans for the weeks and months ahead.

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“I couldn’t be prouder of my son. He was diagnosed age four and hadn’t met another diabetic child until two years ago. This made him feel different and isolated him from his peers.

“Forth Valley T1D Families changed that and I couldn’t be prouder of the way he has engaged with and supported the others.”

Diabetes Scotland is still on hand to support people living with the condition. Email [email protected] or get in touch via Facebook.

Alternatively, call 0141 212 8710.