Type 1 ComNet Support groups

"D-Kids was formed to provide much needed social and emotional support to not just the parents, but also children with diabetes and their siblings". By Jen Lawrence Convenor, D-Kids.

Jen Lawrence, mother of five year old Ryan who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes two years ago, formed the Type 1 Community Network (ComNet) group, D-Kids to provide an important support network for all parents of children living with type 1 diabetes in the Eastern Melbourne region.

The ComNet program of type 1 diabetes support groups is an opportunity for people to access type 1 diabetes specific information and support in their local community. 

We are committed to identifying the ever evolving needs of living with type 1 diabetes and facilitating support though the ComNet program.

If you are looking for a support group in your local area, phone the appropriate contact listed below, or contact the type 1 diabetes program coordinator on (03) 9667 1761 for further information.

Sharing experiences is a powerful way of learning how to manage diabetes from people who also live with diabetes every day. Meeting other people with diabetes can help reduce the isolation that people may feel and be a source of support when needed.

Contacts

• D-KIDS
  Children and families in the Mitcham area
  Contact Jen Lawrence on 0413 457 488
   
• FASDABs (Friends Acting to Support Diabetics Around Ballarat)
  Adults and families in the Ballarat region
  Contact Leeanne Nicholson on 0409 425 962
   
• Fun, Food and Exercise
  School-aged children in the east Gippsland region (Sale)                                 
  Contact Megan Patterson-Dick on (03) 5143 8874
   
• Geelong RADs (Regional Adults with Diabetes)
  Adults and families in the Geelong region
  Contact Kate Negus on 0417 543 566
   
• HypoActive
  Young, active adult support group, non-geographical
  Contact Monique Hanley on 0411 426 539 or via her website
  
• Insulin pump group of Victoria
  Insulin pump users, non-geographical
  Contact Cheryl Steele on 0403 449 416
   
• Melbourne Type 1 Group
  Adults in metropolitan Melbourne
  Contact Teresa Pitt on 0419 438 221 and Richard Tagg on 0404 808 242
   
• My-T1
  Children and familes in the Cranbourne /Frankston area
  Contact Mairi-Anne Macartney on 0414 983 601
   
• OAT'S (Older Adults with Type 1)
  Older adults in the west Gippsland region (Drouin)
  Contact Sandra Bell on (03) 5624 3500 or Donna Ablett on (03) 5623 0848

• Pregnancy Support Group
  Women living with diabetes and considering becoming, or currently pregnant  
  Contact Kim Henshaw on (03) 9667 1761
   
• PODs (Parents of children with Diabetes)
  Children and families in metropolitan Melbourne (Royal Children's Hospital)
  Contact Robyn Cartwright on 0414 257 538
   
• LV D1 Meet and Greet
  Adults in the Latrobe Valley region (Traralgon)
  Contact Michelle Charnley on (03) 5171 1400
   
• Sugarbabes
  Children and families in the west Gippsland area (Warragul)
  Contact Sue Kloet on 0418 176 138
  
  "Last updated 22 January 2010"