ANY of your readers in Penarth and across the Vale who have a child living with Type 1 diabetes will know how serious this lifelong condition is.

It is vital that they get the right advice and support to help manage their child’s diabetes and help them live life to the full.

This is why I am writing to raise awareness of the new Number 1 bag, which we have developed with Diabetes UK Cymru to help children living with the condition in the area.

We are partnering with the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to give these bags out to every family in the area so that they have access to advice that they can trust. The bag is packed full of useful information that will support parents, children and young people at every stage of their diabetes journey.

There are also lots of handy resources including a guide to help make sure your child is safe when staying away from home, a pack to make sure they’re supported at school and information on the support available from Diabetes UK Cymru and the Network.

There are also some great inspirational stories from a variety of families living with Type 1 diabetes.

While your healthcare team will always be there to support you, having access to the right information is invaluable. Make sure you ask for your Number 1 Bag at your next clinic appointment.

Dr Chris Bidder

Consultant paediatrician and chair of the Children and Young People’s Wales Diabetes Network