Children, Youth, and Young Adults
Manawatu Horowhenua & Tararua Diabetes Trust has developed programmes for young persons with diabetes in various age groups to encourage effective self management and full participation in everyday activities.These programmes include
7 to 14 year olds camps at an outdoor adventure centre in the region where self management of diabetes whilst undertaking strenuous activities is promoted under the guidance of course tutors and medical personnel that include Pediatritian, Dietitian and Diabetes Nurse specialists.
Teenagers 14 to 18 year old activities include both single day and weekend programmes when a variety of enjoyable activities are undertaken. Theses include abseiling, rock wall climbing, canoeing, caving, paint ball, go karting and camping.
Young Adults 18 to 25 years old programmes contain an education element and an opportunity to network with other persons with diabetes whilst activities cater for that age group and include dinners, movie nights, wine trails, quad biking and adventure days.
Family Camps are held each summer and are attended by 150 -200 persons. There are held in an outdoor adventure camp and allow the person with diabetes and the family/whanau to participate in a range of activities and discussions with other families who have a member with diabetes.
Barnaby Days are a family day held on approximately 8 Sundays each year. These days involve a visit to a regional attraction normally followed by a BBQ meal and often concludes with visit to a swimming pool. They provide another opportunity for parents and care givers to discuss how diabetes affects their family. They are also an opportunity for siblings to see that other families also have a member with diabetes.
Chipmunk Days are for the very young catering for the new born to 6 years old and are invaluable information sources for parents and care givers,
The Trust employs a full time Youth Coordinator to organise activities and to provide support to families. This support includes setting up “Text Trees” for children and youth with diabetes to enable them to discuss any problems or discoveries with other p[ersons with diabetes of a similar age. “Parent Support Groups” have also been established throughout the district.
