MADAM,

The summer holidays are here, but for your readers whose children have Type 1 diabetes this can be an anxious time as they look ahead to their child starting a new class or a new school in September.

My son has Type 1 diabetes and I know that you may be concerned about your child’s safety next term, and whether their new school will know how to help them manage their diabetes during their time there.

It is vital that schools provide support to children with Type 1 diabetes to help them manage their condition effectively so that they can stay healthy and fully participate in school life but some children still struggle to get this support and this can put their health at risk.

This is why we have launched a Care in School Helpline which provides parents with information and support around the care their child is entitled to receive at school. The helpline, supported by our National Charity Partnership with Tesco, is staffed by volunteers who can provide information about children’s rights and can give emotional support.

We’re encouraging local parents to contact the Care in School Helpline with any school-related concerns they have about their child and their Type 1 diabetes so that we can help.

To contact the Care in School Helpline, call 0345 123 2399 or go to www.diabetes.org.uk/care-in-school

As part of our aim to help to help Monmouthshire Beacon readers who have been affected by diabetes, we would also like readers to help us share their practical top tips on living with the condition. We are gathering these to write the first book for people living with diabetes, written by people with diabetes. It is called ‘100 things I wish I’d known about living with diabetes’ and will be a book available for free.

Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, or live with someone who does, there will be everyday challenges that you have to overcome. Sharing your tips could help someone who is struggling with their diabetes. We’re looking for your advice on topics including travelling and holidays; driving; sex and relationships; diet and fitness; school or work; or family – including raising children with Type 1 diabetes.

We’re looking for one or two sentences that offer helpful everyday solutions as opposed to medical advice.

If your advice is used in the book, your name will be published in the book and your name and tip could also be used to promote the book on TV, in newspapers, online and in other marketing materials. So it’s important that if you submit a tip you’re happy for your first name to be used alongside it.

Share their top tips at www.diabetes.org.uk/top-tips, by 7th August.

We can’t wait to hear from you,

Dai Williams

(Director of Diabetes UK Cymru)