Diabetes NZ's Bay of Plenty Family Camp 2023 has got the green light – a boon for families and friends of diabetics in the region – with NZCT awarding the event a grant of $10,000.

Diabetes NZ chief executive Heather Verry says the family camp serves those families in the BOP area who have been diagnosed with diabetes, enabling them to engage with other families with the same health issues and health professionals.

'This generous funding from NZCT will go towards the accommodation and outdoor activities components of the charges made by the Totara Springs Christian Centre, our host for this event as well as in 2021 and 2019.”

Difficult for children

Heather says the last three years have been very difficult for children, their siblings, and families/whanau living with diabetes in Covid-19 times.

'We were able to run Family Camp 2021 before the Delta strain hit, but since then many youth and family activities have been delayed.

'Family Camp 2023, which will include a minimum of 25 families across the Western and Eastern BOP, Rotorua, and Taupo districts, will be a prime event for bringing these families back together to re-engage with each other in a safe, active environment, while also learning more from health professionals on how to cope with this life-long condition.”

Water activities at Totara Springs Christian Centre. Photo: Supplied.

Heather says under the Live Brave Mana Ora banner, the camp allows friendships to be renewed, families to share their experiences, and learn both from each other and from the health professionals in attendance.

First time

'It will be particularly important for those children who have been diagnosed in the past two years,' says Heather.

'It will be the first time for some and will provide the opportunity to feel comfortable with their peers. This means being involved in the continual day-to-day processes of testing their blood, monitoring their activity and diet, and managing their insulin through injections or insulin pumps and asking the questions that arise and having them answered.”

Previous Bay of Plenty Family Camps have been a hit for families in the area who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Photos: Supplied.

Diabetes NZ is a charitable trust that represents and supports people with diabetes.

'We've been around for more than 50 years and have a national office in Wellington and branches across the country, with staff and volunteers who help/support people live well with diabetes.

'Our mission is to lead, champion, and advocate for change to reduce the incidence of diabetes, improve diabetes health care, and empower those affected by or at risk of diabetes to lead healthy, active lives.”

To get in touch with Diabetes NZ's Bay of Plenty branch, visit: https://www.diabetes.org.nz/