Young Londoners With Diabetes Host 3D Meetings

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 07 Nov 2007 - 5:00 PDT

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A group of young Londoners with diabetes are organising evening '3D' meetings for other people their age with the condition to have a chance to meet and share experiences. 3D stands for diabetes, diagnosis and discussion.

Rebecca Parker, Helen Friend, Lloyd Jones and Matt Pulford are four young Diabetes UK supporters who have decided to raise awareness of diabetes among their peers. They have all attended special 3D training in facilitation and group skills in order to help other young people discuss the everyday reality of living with diabetes.

"Being diagnosed with diabetes or watching someone close to you go through a diagnosis can be a difficult time," said Rebecca.

"All kinds of emotions are brought to the surface and your head becomes full of questions.

"The best part about 3D meetings is the fact that they are peer led. The idea is to provide a safe environment to discuss aspects of our diabetes which never seem to make it into our doctor's appointments. Questions like: 'Do you feel angry about having diabetes? How has it changed your lifestyle? Do you find you have a different outlook now? Does it affect your busy work and social life?'"

Anyone who's aged between 18 and 30, has been diagnosed with diabetes, and would like the opportunity to meet other young people with diabetes is invited to attend any or all of the upcoming 3D meetings.

They will be held between 7pm and 8pm at Diabetes UK, 10 Parkway, London NW1 7AA on Tuesday 13 November, Tuesday 27 November and Tuesday 11 December. The nearest tube station is Camden Town.

http://www.diabetes.org.uk