Local mum launches new group for families affected by diabetes in Brighton

A mum from Hove whose son has Type 1 diabetes is set to launch a new support group aimed at connecting local families affected by the condition. The first meeting of the new group is taking place at 7 pm on Wednesday November 11 at the BHASVIC Sixth Form College.

Candy Pitt (47) is the main founder of the new The Brighton Children and Families Diabetes UK Group that will give regular support to local parents and carers of children with diabetes.

Candy understands the importance of creating a regular opportunity for people who are affected by diabetes to talk freely about their feelings without fear of judgment.

She says: “It was a tremendous shock for the whole family when Barney (15) was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes two years ago.It was incredibly hard for our relatives and friends to appreciate exactly what it is really like for our son to grieve for the person he was before diagnosis and come to terms with the person he has become.

“That's why, I felt the need to set up a local family support group for people to share similar experiences of adapting to a new life with diabetes."

The Brighton Children and Families Diabetes UK Group has the support from the diabetes team at the Royal Alex Hospital in Brighton and Dr Shankar Kanumakala the Consultant Paediatrician will give a talk at the first meeting of the group about the care the hospital provides.

Lucy Shea, Diabetes UK Volunteer Development Manager in the South East Region, will also be speaking at the event. She said: “I would urge anyone in Brighton who cares for a child with Type 1 diabetes to come along and see how you can be supported and get involved in the new group.

“There is also the opportunity to ask questions and to talk to others who have had similar experiences and who have first-hand knowledge of how looking after a child with diabetes can affect the whole family. Often parents of children with diabetes can feel very alone, feeling like no-one understands so we want to put families affected by diabetes in touch with each other for support. Sharing experiences with someone who is going through the same thing can really help."

The first meeting for the new group takes place on Wednesday 11th November 2015

7pm until 9pm at BHASVIC Sixth Form College, 205 Dyke Rd, Brighton and Hove, Hove, East Sussex BN3 6EG

Refreshments will be provided.

For more information please contact: Lucy Shea, Diabetes UK Volunteer Development Manager on 01372 720 148.