T1KZ
Overview
We work with children, young people, and families across the North East and Cumbria, creating opportunities to connect, share experiences, and build confidence while living with Type 1 diabetes.
At T1KZ, we organise a wide range of fun, inclusive sessions that bring families together and encourage them to try new activities in a supportive environment. These sessions give families the chance to talk openly about diabetes, build strong peer connections, and feel part of a welcoming community.
Our events include exciting activities such as rock climbing, water sports, swimming, and trampolining. Children and young people are encouraged to take part alongside their siblings, helping them meet others with Type 1 diabetes while safely exploring new challenges.
In addition, we run monthly family sessions. These provide a space for parents and carers to connect and share experiences, while children and young people take part in focused activities based on topics that matter most to them.
We also value the voices of our community. Our Co-ordination Group brings together T1KZ members to share ideas, shape decisions, and help plan future events. Alongside this, the group meets with our Steering Group, which includes both clinical diabetes staff and children and young people. Together, they collaborate, share insights, ask questions, and ensure we continue to provide a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment for everyone.
Funding Source
Impact
This funding has enabled us to successfully deliver a strong programme of group sessions across the North East and North Cumbria. Through these sessions, we have built meaningful partnerships with children and young people’s diabetes teams, as well as the Children and Young People’s North East and North Cumbria Diabetes Network.
Together, these collaborations ensure we provide consistent, high-quality support and create valuable opportunities for connection, learning, and shared experiences.
There are many examples of ongoing dialogue and positive change within the service. For example, through the technology project, 274 phones have been provided to children and young people, enabling them to access Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps. This gives them greater choice and flexibility in how they manage their diabetes.
All sessions are designed around the identified needs of families. These include Newly Diagnosed Days, Activity Days, and an annual residential programme. We also carry out an annual survey to gather feedback and ideas, which directly informs planning for the year ahead.
So far in 2026, we have responded to this feedback by introducing targeted sub-groups for specific age ranges and needs, including a teen group, an under-5s group, and a group for children and young people with additional needs. We have also adapted session times, with some now taking place later in the day to better suit families. In addition, a dedicated sibling session is currently being planned.
Engagement and Outcomes
Recent Enagagement & Activity
Trampolining
We recently delivered a trampolining session in Cumbria, bringing together children, young people, and their families in a fun and supportive environment. Clinical staff were also in attendance, including the Lead Diabetes Specialist Nurse and a Psychologist, ensuring expert support was available throughout the session.
While the children enjoyed their activities, parents and carers had the opportunity to come together during mealtimes to share experiences and have open discussions about managing their child’s diabetes. Conversations included topics such as carbohydrate counting, tracking techniques, and where families were based.
Families who have been involved with T1KZ for some time shared how they have built lasting connections through previous events, highlighting the friendships formed and the positive experiences they have enjoyed.
In total, the session was attended by 7 children and young people with Type 1 diabetes, 6 siblings, and 9 parents/carers.
Activity Day
We partnered with Together Type 1 to deliver an engaging and inclusive activity day, bringing families together in a supportive and welcoming environment. The event was supported by representatives from Omnipod, Abbott, MyLife Diabetes Care, and Medtronic (MiniMed), giving families the opportunity to learn more about the latest diabetes technologies and support options.
Clinical staff were also present throughout the day, offering guidance and support. A Diabetes Specialist Nurse hosted an interactive Q&A session, providing parents and carers with the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences.
A wide range of activities were available, including badminton, football, family games, and a fun game of rounders. A dedicated relaxation space was also provided, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
The event was attended by 18 children and young people with Type 1 diabetes, 20 siblings, and 29 parents/carers.
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