New scheme launches in style

Kirstie Smith and Luke West

Around 80 people came together to celebrate the launch of an exciting new scheme that will help people to better manage their own health and that of the people they care for.

The My Health My Community initiative has been jointly developed by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, service users, carers and professionals. Its aim is that everyone can work together to ensure people have the confidence, skills and knowledge to improve their own health and wellbeing and can reach their full potential.

There are several strands that sit under the My Health My Community ‘umbrella’. The event saw the unveiling of a new website, which contains a range of education, health tools and information, and a dedicated app and web platform for children with type 1 diabetes.

The diabetes app and platform, known as Sugar3, has already received national acclaim after being shortlisted for a Nursing Standard Excellence Award.

Every  aspect of the resource, including the name, was developed by specialist diabetes nurses from Rochdale, Bury and Oldham, in partnership with children, young people and their families.

It provides advice, demonstration videos, diabetes-related games and more to improve young people’s knowledge and confidence, to enable them to better manage their condition.

The resource is tailored for three age groups, six to 10 years, 11 to 14 years and 15 plus years, to ensure the content is appropriate and can grow with them.

Heywood boy Luke West, nine, and his mum Kirstie Smith were involved in the development of Sugar3.

Luke was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year after he began to show common symptoms such as drinking more and feeling drowsy. Luke’s Dad, Chris, also has type 1 diabetes, so the family immediately recognised the symptoms and took Luke to his GP.

Kirsty said: “Luke copes really well with his condition and is sensible in terms of knowing and accepting what he can and can’t eat or drink.

“Back when Luke’s dad was diagnosed, there wasn’t much help or advice available. However, I’ve been really impressed with the support offered by the diabetes team.

“Sugar3 will complement this by providing easy and immediate access to lots of useful and important information all in one place. An added benefit is that it’s pitched at a level that children can understand and will find fun.

“I really feel it will increase Luke’s independence because, instead of having to ask me or his dad about any questions or worries he has, he can simply log on and find out himself.

Luke agreed that Sugar3 will be a good way to find out things he doesn’t know and can’t wait to play the games.

Other strands of the My Health My Community include: 

• Community education courses: These are offered on a whole range of topics including self-care, mental wellbeing, specific conditions and skills for carers and have been developed in partnership with the University of Manchester
• A children’s asthma app: This is currently being developed with health professionals and children who have asthma and will be launched later this year

Kirsty Marshall, from Pennine Care, is the Clinical Programme Manager for My Health My Community and a District Nurse, she said: “My Health My Community is completely unique in that every aspect is co-produced.

“It was fantastic to see so many people come together to celebrate the launch and the family-friendly activities we offered were really well-received.

“We are all proud of the programme, which has taken many months of hard work from service users, carers and staff. This amazing scheme will support the whole community and I’m looking forward to seeing it grow from strength to strength.”