About the Family Centre

The Telethon Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre supports children and their families to face the challenges of type 1 diabetes with confidence.  It is proudly supported by Telethon and Lotterywest, and is the first facility of its kind in Australia.    

Life is complex for a family with a child with type 1. We're here to help. We offer psychosocial and peer support, information, and education, in a friendly, warm environment designed with families in mind.

Find us next to the Osborne Park Hospital, on a site generously provided by the Western Australian State Government. Our facility has many uses: meeting place, education space, diabetes clinic, chill-out space for adolescents, and a place to play.

We look forward to seeing you at the Family Centre.  In the meantime connect with us on facebook:

    

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Telethon    Lotterywest
The Facts

Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children.  It occurs more frequently than cancer, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that usually occurs in childhood. It has no cure.

In Western Australia, around 120 children are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every year, and the number is increasing.

The stress involved in the day-to-day management of type 1 diabetes can lead to depression, anxiety and distress.

Good diabetes control is associated with better quality of life.

About Type 1 Diabetes in children

When a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the child and family must take on a complex and relentless daily regimen balancing insulin injections, blood sugar testing, diet adjustments and physical activity.  It is crucial to manage diabetes well in order to prevent immediate risks associated with dangerous swings in blood sugar levels, and devastating long-term complications such as blindness and kidney failure. 

Managing diabetes in children is very challenging because young children cannot test and inject themselves or clearly communicate how they feel.  Diabetes management in adolescents can also be difficult, and transitioning from being cared for by parents to self-management can be a time of uncertainty, vulnerability and distress.

The daily grind of keeping a child with type 1 diabetes healthy and happy takes its toll on families. The Family Centre connects families, supports emotional wellness, and provides an holistic approach to care.

EllyA friendly, community-based care facility that provides integrated clinical and psychological care and houses support activities and groups will greatly benefit children with type 1 diabetes and their families.  There is a huge need for a facility like the Telethon Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre.

Professor Tim Jones
Head, Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Princess Margaret Hospital
School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia
Telethon Institute of Child Health Research

EllyI think it's important for diabetic children and their families to meet people and families like themselves, to share stories and act as a support network that they can turn to when in doubt, having trouble or just need to talk and to hear encouraging words and understanding.

April Welsh
Adolescent with Type 1 Diabetes

My involvement with Channel Seven’s Telethon made me realise that there are many children in Western Australia who suffer from chronic health problems.  One of the most complex and difficult health problems to manage is type 1 diabetes.  Having a child with diabetes is incredibly challenging, and it can put every family member under immense pressure.

The Telethon Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre connects families affected by type 1 diabetes, always striving to meet their different information and support needs.  It is a place where families feel supported and understood – somewhere to come when they are anxious, doubtful or distressed.  The Family Centre is for every member of the family of a diabetic child.

Children with type 1 diabetes need strong and supportive families.  I urge you to give generously – you can be a part of a bright future for a child with diabetes. 

Jeff Newman OAM
Chairman
Telethon Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre

Photo of Jeff Newman

How can you help?

Talk to us about corporate sponsorship

Corporate Sponsorship

Why not consider supporting the Telethon Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre as part of your Corporate Social Responsibility program?

Click here to see our generous Major Sponsors.

Events and fundraising programs

Events & Fundraising

We offer an exciting and innovative series of events to raise funds for the Family Centre. Many valued supporters are donating funds, offering up their time, providing services and supplying their products to assist with our fundraising projects.  We would love your help!  Read our Terms and Conditions, and apply to register your event with us here.