Type 1 Peer Support Program

"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 Peer Support 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 DA -Vic Type 1 Peer Support Groups  provide 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 Type 1 Peer Support Group Program.

If you are looking for a support group in your local area, phone the appropriate contact listed below. If you are interested in starting a Type 1 Peers Support Group, or are already running one and would like to join the Type 1 Peer Support Program, contact the Program Coordinator on (03) 5222 0837 for further information.

Sharing experiences is a powerful way of learning how to manage diabetes. 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
   
• 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) 5144 5877
   
• 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 Kim Henshaw on (03) 5222 0837
   

• LV D1 Meet & Greet
  Adults in the Latrobe Valley (Traralgon)
  Contact Michelle Charnley on (03) 5171 1405
   
• 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 1D
  Older adults with type 1 diabetes 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) 5222 0837
   
• PODs (Parents of children with Diabetes)
  Children and families in metropolitan Melbourne (Royal Children's Hospital)
  Contact Robyn Cartwright on 0414 257 538
   
• Sugarbabes
  Children and families in the west Gippsland area (Warragul)
  Contact Sue Kloet on 0418 176 138
   
• The Social 1s
  Adults, children and families in the Ballarat region
  Contact Tamara Pipkorn on 0449 082 150
   
• Type 1 Mum's and Mum's To Be
  Young Women who have young children, are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant in the West Gippsland region (Warragul)
  Contact Donna Ablett on (03) 5623 0848 or Sandra Bell on (03) 5624 3500