Are you a parent or carer of a child who lives with type 1 diabetes (T1D), or are you an adult living with T1D yourself?

Would you like to give back and help lighten the load of another T1D community member?

JDRF’s Peer Support Program is in need of mentors around Australia who can offer other people in the T1D community life-changing support. We’d love to have you join our team of amazing volunteers!

Here are some frequently asked questions about the program, and how our mentors can genuinely help other members of our T1D community.

What does a mentor do?

Put simply, you’ll offer help and support to those in need.

You’ll be put in touch with someone who has a similar situation to you (for example, we’ll try to get a close match when it comes to location, age of diagnosis, age of children, or any other health conditions). You’ll then just chat to them about different aspects of life with T1D.

You can talk via text, email, over the phone or in person. It could be a few times a year, once a month or once every couple of weeks – whatever works for you both. Every peer support pairing is different!

Who can be a mentor?

To become a mentor, you need to have at least 12 months experience of living with T1D (either yourself, or as the parent or carer of a child or teen living with it).

If you’re a parent, your child living with T1D must be aged two or over, and you must be the primary carer of the child.

What do we talk about?

It’s entirely up to you and the person you’re matched with. It could include:

• how you tackled tricky T1D situations (eg, sports days, sleepovers)

• tips and tricks that have worked for you and your family

• what life looks like for a family who’s further along their T1D journey (helping reassure them that things really will get into a smoother rhythm).

The person you’re matched with may just need a friendly ear and someone who understands life with T1D. After all, sometimes we all just need to hear that we’re not alone!

Everyone’s T1D is managed differently. It’s important to note that mentors shouldn’t give medical advice. As always, if there are any questions about T1D treatments, the concerned person should speak to their diabetes team.

Do I need special training?

We want you to feel confident and happy in your new role, so we provide over-the-phone training and send you an induction information pack. You’ll also be connected to our mentor  Facebook group for ongoing support throughout your mentoring journey. We’ll be there for you!

How much time does it involve?

It doesn’t have to a huge time commitment. It could be a little as a short phone call once a month or a few texts now and then – it all depends on you and the person you’re paired with.

We know you’re busy, and we’re happy to work with you to create an arrangement that suits you and your family. If you’re going on holidays or need a break we’ll work around that, too. And we’ll always check with you first when we have a potential connection for you.

How do I sign up?

Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible to get it all happening!

Help – I have more questions!

We’d love to answer any more questions or concerns you may have. Please email peersupport@jdrf.org.au and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.