Children’s diabetes psychology service

A clinical psychologist can help with a range of psychological difficulties when your child is diagnosed or treated for a long term physical health condition such as diabetes.

There are many reasons why patients and their families see someone in our team.

You may see someone in our team

To help deal with treatments and procedures
To help to manage physical symptoms and pain
To adjust to a diagnosis or coping with bad news
For help with handling emotions and anxiety
For support after a trauma related to a medical condition or injury
To help make decisions about treatment options
To help with dealing with ‘burn-out’ from diabetes care.

We also routinely meet all families around the time of diagnosis to introduce the role of clinical psychology and also, if needed, to offer a psychosocial assessment to help identify any support needs the family may have, and offer appropriate input where required.

Appointments with the psychologist can be in a number of locations, including:

Hospital wards
Outpatient clinics
Medical clinics
GP practices
Schools.

We now offer online video appointments using the platform Attend Anywhere.

The location of your appointment will depend on the reason for your appointment, the distance you live from the Royal Victoria Infirmary and how frequently you are medically reviewed by the team.

How can I access the service?

If you would like to speak to the paediatric diabetes psychologist, please ask one of the other people in the diabetes team, who will be able to put you in touch with the psychologists.

You can also contact the psychology team directly using the information below. Other family members, for example siblings or carers can also be referred to this service if they are struggling to cope with the impact of a family member having diabetes.

Contact

Psychology in Health Care
Old Children’s Outpatients
Office Block 26
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Queen Victoria Road
Newcastle
NE1 4LP

0191 282 4081

Tuesday to Friday, 9am – 5pm

Diabetes team

Tel: 0191 282 4277

If out of hours, call this number and follow instructions on recorded message.

Online mental health support

YoungMinds

There are lots of resources online offering mental health support which may be useful for you.

YoungMinds is an organization which offers young people tools to look after their mental health. Their website has lots of advice and further information about what to do if you are having difficulties with how you feel.

This charity has information for both young people, parents and those who work with young people.

YoungMinds also provides useful information and videos about feelings, coping and how you can support a friend struggling with mental health difficulties.

Kooth

Another useful resource available online is Kooth. This platform has been designed for children and young people aged between 11 and 24.

This is an anonymous site which can help children and young people feel safe in exploring their concerns and seeking support from professionals.

This service is available 24/7 and lets young people provide peer-to-peer support through moderated online discussion boards. Support can be offered through online counselling via chat-based messaging, sessions are available to be booked or drop-in.

Type1Kidz (T1KZ)

We encourage peer support for children and young people with diabetes. Type1Kidz (T1KZ) is a support group based in the North East of England which has been working to improve the lives of young diabetics.

Group sessions are informal and offer children and young people living with diabetes the opportunity to learn from one another in a safe environment.

For more information concerning T1KZ, contact by telephone at 0191 307 7030, or email Email investing in children.

Crisis support

Health psychology is not a crisis service

Health psychology is not a crisis service, if you require urgent support please contact your local GP, A&E or a crisis service.

If your child is experiencing a mental health emergency and you live in County Durham, Darlington, Teesside and North Yorkshire, you can contact your local CAMHS crisis and liaison team at 0800 0516 171.

If you live in Cumbria, Northumberland or Tyne and Wear, and your child is requiring urgent help with their mental health, you can contact 0800 652 2865.

You may see someone in our team

How can I access the service?