Supporting a young person with a chronic disease can be challenge in any circumstances, but can be additionally challenging when the child is looked after. Manager of residential children’s home Austen Cottage, Jordan Cross, tells us more:

“When we were asked to consider supporting a young person with a life-long chronic disease, we really carefully thought about whether we could meet their needs and support the physical demands their condition brings.

“Type 1 diabetes is a life-long condition which requires multiple interactions to keep it under control all through the day, and sometimes night, and it was important we really carefully thought about different aspects such as how it might impact the other young people and what training would we need to make sure we could help this young person manage their condition.

“We felt we could positively support the young person. What was really important was to make sure we all felt prepared and confident in helping the young person understand and manage their diabetes and so we liaised with their team from the local hospital who advised and trained us on what to do. It’s quite complex and we’ve had to undertake various training, but the results have been worth it.

“The young person’s diabetes was not well-managed before they came to Austen Cottage but now, with the team’s support, the young person is controlling it very well indeed.

“Having their physical symptoms more under control and well managed has meant the young person can focus more on other important aspects of their life. They had not been in education for several years before coming to Austen Cottage but is now sitting Functional Skills exams. They had been told before that they would never achieve academically but with the right support, and hard work on their part, that is clearly not the case.

“They are doing really well. With consistency, boundaries, positive input and encouragement, this young person is moving towards independence with real hope for their future.”