Last Wednesday (26th April), Joel James MS chaired the Cross-Party Group on Diabetes (CPG) in the Senedd for the first time. The CPG aims to highlight the causes, prevention and treatment of diabetes and the support available for people living with the condition in Wales.
During the last CPG meeting, Joel and his fellow group members were joined by Claire Baker, the SEREN paediatric diabetes programme Co-ordinator, and Mathew Norman, Deputy Director of Diabetes UK Cymru.
One of the main talking points of the meeting regarded ‘The SEREN Programme’s concerns about future funding. The SEREN Programme is an educational course designed for children and young people with Type 1 Diabetes. Through the use of structured modules, SEREN educates young people about diabetes and helps them come to terms with their recent diagnosis.
The Welsh Government has provided annual funding for this programme since 2015. However, Joel learnt that as it stands, the Welsh Government have failed to make any future funding commitments, placing the programme at risk.
After learning this, Joel said:
“I am honoured to be standing in for Jayne and Rhun today as chair the CPG however, I am astounded at what I have heard. The SEREN Programme has received remarkable success with its educational resources purchased by Networks and individual paediatric teams across the entire United Kingdom.
The modules they provide clearly are of great benefit not just to the children who have received a life-changing diagnosis, but also to their families. They help to build confidence amongst young people about managing the condition whilst also eradicating fears and concerns.
I am in full support of SEREN’s please to the Welsh Government about the continuation of their funding.”
Following the meeting, Joel also spoke to Diabetes UK Cymru at The Welsh Conservative Party Conference on Friday, 28th April, about the ways the Government can support children and young people with diabetes. Both Joel and the Diabetes UK representative agreed that more work needs to be completed to help people realise that a diagnosis of diabetes is manageable, and people can live a normal life.
If you would like more information about The SEREN Programme, please click here.
For more information about the work Diabetes UK Cymru do and the services they provide, please visit their website.
