Diabetes Qatar (also known as the Qatar Diabetes Association) organised a dedicated support programme for children newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and their families at Diabetes Qatar’s headquarters, with the participation of 13 families.
The programme was designed to provide psychological support for children and their parents during the early stages of diagnosis, helping them adapt to the challenges associated with this new phase.
It also aimed to foster a sense of belonging among the children by giving them the opportunity to meet and interact with peers who are going through similar experiences.
The programme featured a variety of educational and recreational activities tailored for children, helping them learn how to live confidently with Type 1 diabetes in an engaging and enjoyable way.
Through interactive activities, children learned about insulin injection sites, while participating in games and group activities that promoted self-confidence and created a supportive environment.
Running alongside the children's activities, Diabetes Qatar introduced parents to its services and programmes, highlighting its role in providing health education, psychological support, and community-based services, as well as explaining how families can benefit from the association's resources.
The programme included a specialised psychological support workshop for parents delivered by Sanabel Akef from Al Sanabel Specialised Mental Health Centre.
The session focused on the emotional impact of a child's diagnosis and provided practical guidance on supporting children and helping families successfully navigate the initial stages of living with diabetes.
This initiative forms part of the Qatar Diabetes Association's wider summer programme, which aims to raise health awareness and encourage healthy lifestyles across the community.
As part of these initiatives, the association also participated in the Qatar Sports For All Federation's Summer Activity Programme and delivered several online educational workshops, including "Our Children's Health Starts at Home", which emphasised the family's role in building healthy habits and promoting the prevention of chronic diseases.
