FRIENDS FOREVER TYPE 1 DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common endocrine and metabolic conditions in childhood. Learning to manage T1DM involves a lifelong learning process. When a child is diagnosed with T1DM, it affects the whole family. These children face emotional and social issues related to their disorder especially in our cultural setup. Many look at it as a social stigma. Sharing experiences is a powerful way of learning how to manage these issues. Meeting other people with diabetes can help reduce isolation and be a source of support when needed.
To overcome these psychosocial problems and to infuse confidence in children with T1DM, we at Dr.Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, have started “Friends Forever” – a social support group for children with T1DM and their family members. Friends Forever was formed to provide much needed social and emotional support to not just the children with diabetes, but also for their parents and siblings. It was started in March 2002, from which time they meet on the 2nd Saturday of every month. The meetings are conducted by a team of professionals consisting of diabetologist, dietitian, psychologist and diabetic educator to oversee psychosocial issues arising due to the nature of the illness.
This kind of group therapy prevents the children and their families from feeling isolated, and helps them cope better with day to day issues. Emphasis is also laid on the need for children to get involved in sports, school activities and day trips, by taking proper precautions there by helping them lead a normal life.
Every year the children are taken on a trip to places of interest, for fun, and for, inculcating a sense of curiosity and wonderment and are also involved in cultural activities conducted on special days like World Diabetes Day. Over the years, we have observed that the participant’s self-confidence improves and their negative emotions are alleviated. Each support group program incorporates education, support and fun for the children and the feedback from participants have been very positive and encouraging. The “Friends Forever” support group for children continues to support the children and their families with T1DM in every step so that they are not alone in their journey through life.
Monthly Meeting of Friends Forever- Peer Support Group for Children with Type 1 Diabetes November 2024: Empowering Children for Diabetes Management The monthly meeting of Friends Forever- the Peer Support Group for children with type 1 diabetes was conducted on...
Friends Forever – Support Group Meet June 2024
A DAY OF HONOURING THE REAL HERO’S AMONG THE CHILDREN WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES The monthly meeting of the Friends Forever support group for type 1 diabetes was held on the 29th of June. On this occasion, we also celebrated 5 years of a strong bond with the Hinduja...
Friends Forever – Support Group Meet April 2024 – A SESSION ON THE ART OF SELF MANAGEMENT
A SESSION ON THE ART OF SELF MANAGEMENT After the stress of exams, children with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) reunited on April 29, 2024, for the 'Friends Forever' meetup. The session, led by Dr. Samuel, Consultant Diabetologist at the Gopalapuram Centre, was filled with...
Friends Forever – Support Group Meet January 2024
FRIENDS FOREVER MEET UP - JAN 2024 The Monthly Meet of the “Friends Forever” support group for type 1 diabetes was conducted virtually on 30.1.2024. The topic of this month’s meet was “Challenges in type 1 diabetes management”. Insulin injection technique (including...
Friends Forever – Support Group Meet November 2023
PEER GROUP MEET- NOVEMBER 2023 The monthly meeting of the “Friends Forever” peer support group for type 1 diabetes took place at the MDRF auditorium on November 4, 2023, at 11 a.m. Over 100 participants, including children with type 1 diabetes, their parents and staff...
Friends Forever – Support Group Meet September 2023
FRIENDS FOREVER SEPTEMBER 2023 MEET UP The September meeting of the Friends Forever Peer Support Group for Type 1 Diabetes was conducted on 30.9.2023. As we all are aware, Nutrition Month is celebrated in September in order to improve awareness of Nutrition among the...
Friends Forever – Support Group Meet August 2023
FRIENDS FOREVER PROGRAMME – August 2023 The monthly meeting of the Friends Forever support group for type 1 diabetes that took place on August 12th, 2023 was a meaningful and joyous gathering for children with type 1 diabetes and their parents. Laughter Therapy...
Friends Forever – Support Group Meet July 2023
FRIEND’S FOREVER PEER GROUP MEET JULY 2023 The monthly meeting of Friends Forever Type 1 Diabetes Support Group as conducted on Saturday,1.7.2023. The Guest of Honour for this month’s program was Mr. Thirukumaran, who has been nominated as one of the of the top 20 HR...
Friends Forever – Support Group Meet May 2023
FRIEND’S FOREVER PROGRAMME OF MAY 2023 Our Friend’s forever session for may month was conducted on 30.5.2023. It was an interactive session for children with Type 1 Diabetes to educate, manage and promote optimal diabetes management. Many children partook and...
Friends Forever – Support Group Meet March 2023
PEER GROUP MEET – March 2023 The Friends Forever Support Group met on 18th March 2023 and discussed the important topic of how to manage blood sugars and stress during the exam season. The session was guided by Consultant Diabetologist Dr. P.S. Jagdish along with...
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