Sharing Hope and Empowerment: A Diabetes Education Project in South Africa.

As I mark my 20th year working in the NHS, I’m embarking on a deeply meaningful journey—one that combines my professional expertise with a personal mission to give back. I’ve been given the incredible opportunity to travel to Cape Town, South Africa, as part of a dedicated team of healthcare professionals and children and young people from the East of England Children’s and Young Person’s Diabetes Network.

Our mission is clear: to support, educate, and empower young people aged 14–19 who are living with Type 1 Diabetes in one of Cape Town’s most underserved communities.

Why South Africa?

In the UK, we’re incredibly fortunate to have the NHS and a robust support system for managing long-term conditions like diabetes. However, for many young people in South Africa—particularly those from the Cape Flats, an area marked by poverty and limited healthcare resources—access to specialist diabetes care and education is extremely limited.

That’s where our project comes in.

What We’re Doing

We’re partnering with Tygerberg Hospital to deliver a week-long diabetes camp for young people from the Cape Flats and from the UK. The camp is designed not just for medical support, but for community-building and life-changing empowerment. Here's what it will involve:

* Educational Sessions: Hands-on workshops that help young people understand their condition, manage it effectively, and take ownership of their health.

* Peer Support: UK and South African teens with Type 1 Diabetes will share experiences, build friendships, and inspire each other through shared challenges and victories.

* Healthcare Professional Training: We’ll also deliver teaching symposiums for local nurses, doctors, and community healthcare workers—ensuring that the impact lasts long after the camp ends.

* Family Engagement: Sessions for parents and carers will help create a more supportive home environment for these young people to thrive.

Beyond Medicine: Building Cultural and Human Connections

This project is also about forging deep, lasting connections—between young people, between professionals, and across cultures. We’ll be learning about South Africa’s history, climbing Table Mountain, visiting Robben Island, and experiencing the power and resilience of a community that has so much to teach.

How You Can Help

We are currently fundraising to cover the costs of participation for both UK and South African young people. Every donation helps make this experience accessible and equitable for everyone involved. Here's how your contribution can help:

* £85: Sponsors one young person’s attendance at the camp

* £17: Provides a sanitary and essentials bag (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, flannel, torch, drawstring bag, and hypo treatments)

* £13: Covers the cost of a camp t-shirt for a participant

* £25: Provides a warm hoodie for a South African child attending camp

* £400: Covers round-trip transport for a child traveling from Tygerberg Hospital to the camp site

Every Donation Makes a Difference

By supporting this project, you're not just funding a trip or a camp—you’re investing in the health, education, and future of young people who face daily challenges with resilience and strength. You’re helping create a legacy of care, connection, and hope.

If you’re interested in supporting or sponsoring this project, I’d love to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering being part of this journey.