Community Support

Community Support
Type 1 diabetes has a huge impact on the physical and mental health of over 120,000 Australians. It’s like a ‘job’ and the day-to-day effort to manage it can become hard and frustrating, especially when the results are not what you hoped for.
Studies show that many people living with T1D experience worries, fears and other negative feelings at some stage – including diabetes distress and burnout.
That’s why it’s important for people living with T1D to have access to a robust support system.
We’re here to support you. Our community programs cater to a range of people in the T1D community, no matter your age or connection to diabetes, we will connect you with others who understand.
Check out our initiatives below.

Peer Support Program
JDRF’s Peer Support Program is a volunteer network that connects people who have been affected by T1D and gives them a helping hand from someone who understands – because we know that even as time goes on, T1D is a constant learning curve.
The program is available to adults or parents in the T1D community to find support from others in a similar situation.
Our Peer Support ProgramPrivate Facebook Groups
We’ve created safe spaces on Facebook to connect people in the T1D community with others at the same ages and life stages. These private groups are moderated by JDRF staff and other committed volunteers to ensure relevant, respectful interactions between members.
Three Private Facebook Groups are available:
- JDRF Parents and Carers of Newly Diagnosed 20/21 (JDRF Australia) – This group will be open to those families whose children have been diagnosed since July 2020 up until December 2021. After their first year, you will then be invited to join a wider parent and carer group. Each year JDRF will open a new group to tailor specifically for newly diagnosed in that year so that they can network, share their experiences and learn together.
- T1D Connect Parents and Carers (JDRF Australia) – This group is for parents and carers of children living with T1D.
- T1D Connect 14-24 (JDRF Australia) – For teens and young adults 14-24 living with T1D.
- T1D Connect 25+ (JDRF Australia) – For adults 25+ living with T1D.
To join, click the relevant link above and request membership, answering our vetting questions.
Visit our Facebook PageFinancial Assistance
Type 1 diabetes can be a financial burden on families but there is help available:
- Insulin Pumps – The Australian Government offers fully subsidised insulin pumps for eligible children under 18 years through the Insulin Pump Program administered by JDRF.
- Health Care Card – Some families with a child under 16 years can apply for a Health Care Card. The card allows prescription items and some medical services to be purchased at lower prices. You can check your eligibility here.
- Carers’ Allowance – Some families may qualify for a fortnightly Carers’ Allowance payment, which is assessed by Centrelink on an individual basis.
- National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) – Registration to the Federal Government’s NDSS allows diabetes supplies such as syringes, test strips and needles to be purchased at cheaper rates.
- Continuous Glucose Monitors the Australian Government is now providing access to fully subsidised continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) products, through the NDSS, to children and young people aged under 21 years who meet specific criteria. Refer to and talk to your healthcare professional.

Guides and resources
JDRF Australia has developed several helpful resources for people living with T1D, regardless of what stage of life you’re in. You can access these resources via the JDRF website, or by getting in touch with our team to request a hard copy. Take a look at our education and guides page to see which ones might interest you.
Education and Guides
Little Blue Book
We have compiled a T1D Directory which contains the names of people, organisations and places that make life with type 1 diabetes a little easier.
T1Directory
The Language of T1D
New to type 1 diabetes? Take a look at our list of commonly used T1D terms and their meanings.
T1Dictionary
I am interested in hearing more about…