HOPE Connects
HOPE Connects Peer Support Program
LET’S CONNECT!
Recognizing the impact T1D has on students’ mental health and well-being, DHF created the Hope Connects Program to support students as they balance their T1D during their transition to post-secondary school. In 2023, we have been able to expand our program so students can access information and support through a variety of forums. The program also offers valuable leadership opportunities for DHF Alumni volunteers.
ONE TO ONE PEER MENTORSHIP
In 2022, our peer mentorship program expanded, and is now offered to all Grade 12, first- and second-year students living with T1D across Canada. With over 50 active peer mentors, students can connect one on one with someone who ‘gets it’ and who will encourage and inspire them to achieve both their academic goals and better long-term health outcomes. All of our mentors complete six hours of training, and receive ongoing support from both our Program Director and our Senior Mentors.
FREE TO BE
Arts Programming for Youth with T1D
Diabetes may be taught like a math problem, but some days, it feels like 2+2 never equals 4. Through our Free to Be programming, DHF provides a safe space for youth to explore the human side of type 1 diabetes (T1D), focusing on navigating the highs and lows (pun intended!) that are a part of living with T1D.
Our first session of Free to Be combined elements of visual and dramatic arts, inviting participants to embrace life with T1D. Open to students in secondary school from across the GTA, youth had the opportunity to connect with fellow T1Ds (including their two artistic facilitators!) and explore day-to-day life with diabetes. They customized and decorated their own character masks, and through combining both improv and classical theatre techniques, developed scenes focused on expressing the complexities of diabetes. The program culminated in a collective performance showcase for family, friends, and healthcare professionals. It was an opportunity to explore beyond the numbers to create a space to connect, create and educate!
NEW MONTHLY DROP-INS
In 2023 we launched our monthly virtual drop-ins, providing students across Ontario with a safe space to talk about their experiences of managing T1D as post-students.
NEW DISCORD FORUM
NEW CAMPUS DIABETES CLUB EVENTS
In 2022, DHF staff and alumni worked to build partnerships with campus Diabetes Clubs across Ontario. We are currently collaborating with eight diabetes clubs, focused on increasing awareness and knowledge about T1D and supporting students on their campuses. Through multiple virtual workshops hosted during the school year, these collaborations have focused on discussing the impact T1D has on students’ mental health, as well as the value of social and emotional support. In 2023, we worked with students at Queens University and University of Guelph to help them launch their own Diabetes Clubs and look forward to supporting others who are interested in building a community of support on campus for students with T1D. For more information, contact hopeconnects@diabeteshopefoundation.com
The HOPE Connects program is generously funded by:
