By implementing the project, we aimed to: 1) Raise awareness of diabetes and the importance of early identification among youth workers, young people, and the wider community, helping reduce risks and long-term complications through timely recognition and informed action. 2) Strengthen the capacity of youth organisations and youth workers to include and support young people with diabetes in everyday youth activities, including practical guidance on prevention and response to diabetes-related incidents. 3) Lay the foundations for longer-term cooperation and future projects focused on inclusion and diversity, including better links between practice, research, and policy discussions around social support for young people with diabetes (including those facing multiple vulnerabilities). Across these objectives, the intended change was a safer and more inclusive environment where young people with diabetes can participate confidently and equally in youth activities, mobility opportunities, and community life.
We applied for this project to address a clear gap in youth work: young people with diabetes are often excluded (or self-exclude) from youth activities because diabetes is not well understood, is sometimes hidden due to stigma, and may create safety concerns during active programmes. Youth workers frequently lack practical knowledge to recognise possible diabetes indicators, prevent and manage hypoglycaemia during physical activity, and respond appropriately to a diabetes-related emergency. This can make families hesitant to allow participation in camps, exchanges, and sports-based youth activities. The project responded to the need for inclusive and safe youth participation by strengthening diabetes awareness and early identification, improving the capacity of youth organisations to support young people with diabetes, and building synergies between youth work, health expertise, and research. Ultimately, we aimed to reduce barriers, increase confidence for both youth and youth workers, and promote equal access to social, educational, and mobility opportunities for young people with diabetes.