Our Programs
Diabetes Hope Scholarship Program
SINCE 1999
The Diabetes Hope Scholarship Program was established in 1999 to recognize youth in our community who have excelled in their academic achievements; demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and volunteerism in the community; and possess exemplary diabetes management practices. Our unique scholarship program is aimed at youth in their last year of high school who are turning 18 and are transitioning from pediatric diabetes programs to self-directed adult care. The program rewards and celebrates the personal triumphs of young adults who successfully manage their diabetes care while also excelling at academics, sports and/or community activities. To date, Diabetes Hope Foundation has awarded 900 education grants to young adults across Canada to support their post-secondary education.
HOPE Connects Peer Support Program
SINCE 2011
Developed nearly a decade after the launch of the scholarship program, this alumni mentorship program was created in response to a growing need in the healthcare community for additional peer-to-peer social and academic support for transitioning students. The Hope Connects Peer Support Program is an initiative that has been developed by Diabetes Hope Foundation to provide a continuum of peer support for youth with diabetes who have transitioned into their post-secondary studies. The program matches 1st year university students with mentors from the Diabetes Hope Scholarship alumni based on similar academic and social backgrounds. Each mentor/mentee pair is matched for one full academic year; to date, the foundation has been successful in matching 144 pairs across Canada and beyond.
Sponsored by:


‘PEP Talks’ Caregiver Program
SINCE 2021
At Diabetes Hope Foundation, we recognize that diabetes impacts parents and caregivers too, so in 2021 we launched our ‘Let’s Talk About It Workshop’ to provide a space for caregivers to come together and talk about the highs and lows of T1D.
With the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), we have expanded this impactful program for caregivers in the Halton/Peel Regions. Enhancing the original “Let’s Talk About It” workshop, caregivers can now participate in a four-part virtual workshop series focused on getting the tools, information and support they need to navigate the transition to post-secondary school and beyond!
PEP Talks will give parents and caregivers of adolescents with T1D in Halton/Peel Regions the opportunity to find a community of voices to collaborate with as they prepare for their child’s transition from secondary to post-secondary education and from pediatric to adult diabetes care.
Sponsored by:

T1D Community Arts
SINCE 2024
The in-person Free to Be program combines elements of visual and dramatic arts to embrace life with T1D. Open to students in secondary school from across the GTA, youth have the opportunity to connect with fellow T1Ds (including their two artistic facilitators!) and explore the day to day highs and lows of life with diabetes using visual arts, improv and classical theatre techniques.
DHF launched T1Zine in June 2024. A collective work created by youth across Canada, T1Zine explores the stigma youth face as they navigate life with T1D, using thought provoking visual arts and creative writing to express and educate.
Our first Virtual Songwriter’s Circle workshop was held in November 2024. This workshop dives into the art of creating captivating lyrics and melodies while building one’s composition skills. It’s a space for songwriters, musicians, and music lovers to unleash their creativity amongst a supportive community of fellow T1D artists.
In January, 2025, we announced a new Writer’s Circle for those living with type 1 diabetes! This is a safe space for new or experienced writers to write, share stories, and connect with others in the T1D Community who understand their experiences.
Sponsored by:

