Our Family Weekender is a life-changing experience for children and young people with type 1 diabetes and their family.
Family Weekenders
As a parent or carer you’ll know that type 1 diabetes affects the whole family. You’ll have had hard days followed by late night tests, scary readings and moments of joy and relief. So will all the other families on our Type 1 Family Weekender.
You and your family will be supported by our volunteers, including healthcare professionals, and meet other families who understand everyday life with type 1.
Our weekends are for the whole family, including parents, carers, siblings or grandparents - we encourage everyone to come along. You can find more details in what to expect on a Family Weekender (PDF, 2.5MB).
Family Weekenders are held at different locations and dates throughout the year.
"We felt stronger, braver and more in control. We didn't want the weekend to end."
Alex, parent
Support for your child
For most of the weekend your child (and any brothers and sisters), will be looked after by our trained volunteers, including healthcare professionals and people living with type 1 diabetes. They’ll meet other children and young people with type 1, and take part in a range of fun-filled activities, such as archery or rock climbing. There’ll also be some informal time spent learning a little more about diabetes and a session especially for siblings without diabetes.
We have a crèche for zero- to four-year-olds, with or without type 1. It has its own activities, including nap times.
Support for you
Safe in the knowledge that your child/children are being well cared for, you’ll have time to relax and meet other parents and our volunteers who understand exactly what you’re going through. You'll also have the opportunity to quiz our experts on all things diabetes. And you can let us know if there's anything you particularly want to cover.
You'll even have a child-free dinner and a break from thinking about carb counting – we've got that covered.
"For the first time we met lots of other families. We could relate to their experiences, exchange tips and support one another."
Donna, parent
What age children can I bring?
We have Family Weekenders aimed at children with diabetes:
- Aged 0–11
- Aged 11–17
- Aged 0–17
Siblings of any age are welcome to come along to any event and get fully involved.
Dates and locations
We're planning new Family Weekenders. Sign up for updates, and we'll let you know about future events coming up.
Who looks after my child during the weekend?
We know how important it is that your child is well looked after. At our events they’re in experienced hands, so you can get the most out of the parents' programme.
Our team of trained and committed volunteers are on hand to support your child and keep them safe. There are healthcare professional volunteers, including doctors, nurses and dietitians at every event, and also general volunteers, many of whom have type 1 themselves. They'll work with your child to make sure they understand what is happening to their blood glucose levels and how to manage their diabetes.
Meals and drinks
All meals (from dinner on Friday to lunch on Sunday) are provided. Snacks and soft drinks are also included.
If your child or anyone in your family has a dietary requirement, our lead dietitian will be in touch before the event to get more details.
What is included in the weekend?
The generosity and kindness of trusts and foundations have enabled us to provide places for children, young people, and their families at Diabetes UK's Type 1 Events at no cost to them. Type 1 Family Weekends include two nights' accommodation, all meals from dinner on Friday to lunch on Sunday, snacks and soft drinks, as well as all of your children’s activities.
Once we’ve accepted your application, you’ll need to pay a £20 refundable deposit to confirm your place.
What to expect on a Family Weekender (PDF, 2.5MB)
Type 1 Residential Camps
We’re expanding our programme to include events for children and young people to come to on their own. We're planning two Camps this Summer. Sign up for updates, and we'll let you know about future events coming up.
If you have any questions about our Type 1 Events, please contact type1events@diabetes.org.uk. Or you can call our helpline on 0345 123 399, who will arrange for someone from the Type 1 Events team to return your call.
