Sometimes it is helpful to talk to other people who understand what it is like to live with diabetes or be a parent of a child with type 1 diabetes.  

When seeking emotional support, it depends on the type of support you need and what is available in your area. 

You can receive support either face to face or through an online service. 

Here are some options you may want to explore: 

• Speak to your GP about how you are feeling. Your GP will be able to help with what service may be best for you. This may include the development of a Mental Health Care Plan and a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist.   
• Speak to your school. Some schools have a wellbeing officer who can provide support particularly if you need to discuss matters related to school
• Local community health service may be able to provide counselling 
• Better Health Channel - mental health services for children and young people 
• Partners in Wellbeing Program - phone support for over 16 years of age and face to face support for under 16 years of age 
  
• The Raising Children Network is also a place to find information on children of primary school age, including fact sheets and downloadable toolkits on child development, behavioural problems and other health issues
• Parentline on 13 22 89
  
• Head to Health - If you/or someone you know is needing emotional support, Head to Health can help you find the best mental health support for you
• 13YARN - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support 

How to manage a mammoth 

Diabetes Victoria camps and peer support

Diabetes Victoria run camps throughout the year for young people of all ages. 

Diabetes Victoria Camps 

Diabetes Victoria also has a peer support team. The paragraph below was prepared by them and up to date as of May 2024.

“This group is aimed ideally between the ages of 11 and 15 years, however, anyone under 18 is welcome. Whether your child is newly diagnosed or a T1D veteran, this is an opportunity to join others for fun around shared interests, such as Board games, art and craft activities, they can share their favourite recipe or chat about their favourite sport. The best way to access our events and details is through a social platform called Meetup.com (free to join). Search for Melbourne TI Diabetes Young Person’s Diabetes group. You may contact Maria on 0429 778 810 to help navigate through this platform.”

Meetup Link: https://www.meetup.com/melbourne-t1-young-persons-diabetes-meetup-group/events/300796378/

Maria’s email: mariacondemi@live.com.au

Maria’s number: 0429 778 810

Online supports for young people 

Online mental health supports 

LifeoneD 

Webpage/app developed by Diabetes Australia (NSW) talking about all things related to living with diabetes including being active, food, driving, drugs, working, alcohol, smoking.

https://app.lifeoned.com.au/dl/da19fa

DigiBete 

DigiBete is a video platform to share videos and resources on type 1 diabetes. It is an initiative developed in the UK. 

Kids Helpline

Phone or online support for ages 5-25, parents and schools 

Webchat counselling to chat online with a Kids Helpline counsellor 

Phone number 1800 551800

eHeadspace and Headspace app

eHeadspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 – 25 and their families and friends.

Free app that offers meditation exercises to help people de-stress and switch off from current stressors and anxieties. There is also a Headspace for Kids app, that is more appropriate for young people under 12 years of age.

MindShift (App)

Free app designed to help adolescences and young adults cope with anxiety and shift their thinking. Offers a range of strategies to manage excessive worries, stress, anxiety and panic. Also offers mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

SmilingMind (App)

Free app that offers mindfulness and meditation exercises for young people 7 years and older. Australian designed app to help de-stress and stay calm, a range of different programs for different age groups.

Livewire 

Livewire is an online community connecting teens living with illness/disability and their siblings. 

JDRF Australia

JDRF has developed a support program that  provides practical advice and help for people who have been affected by a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. 

Diabetes Victoria

Diabetes Victoria has  information for people affected by type 1 diabetes.

Chronic illness peer support program at The Royal Children’s Hospital (ChIPS)

This program is run for young people age from 12-25. The focus is to connect with other young people who get what it’s like to live with a chronic illness.

Please see the website for further information and if you would like to be part of this program please talk to the diabetes allied health team.

Other useful websites

Diabetes Kids and Teens   -  learn and play games and additional child and teenage friendly ways of discussing type 1.

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/