Cumnock based charity Lochlan’s Legacy is looking for young people with type-1 diabetes to join their volunteer programme.

The ‘T1D and Me – Giving Youth a Voice’ project aims to highlight the voices of young people so that their opinions can inform future strategies and goals for the diabetes charity.

Children aged 12-18 with diabetes or young people who know someone with type-1 diabetes are encouraged to sign up.

Lochlan’s Legacy was started in 2020 by the now 14-year-old Lochlan who was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes when he was only 4 years old.

His mum Lesley said: “Lochlan feels it is extremely important to get the views of other young people who live with type 1 diabetes or know someone who does.

“Living with type 1 diabetes is challenging and he feels that young people’s voices are often unheard so this project will allow this to happen.

“This is a project for young people developed by young people.

“Setting up the steering group has allowed a dedicated group of young people to bring their ideas together and develop a project plan and outcomes.

“The project is really inspiring and we are incredibly proud of these young people who have chosen to volunteer to make the changes needed.”

Volunteers will be asked to complete a survey which will ask them about their home and school life, emotional health and wellbeing, physical activity, diet, relationships, and use of technology.

Through this survey and by participating in the group, young people can help the charity to create a plan that will target issues kids with type 1 diabetes face.

From this, Lochlan’s Legacy plan to take a roadshow across Scotland – staring in East Ayrshire – highlighting these issues and organising workshops, presentations and speakers.

Volunteering can contribute towards Duke of Edinburgh and Saltire awards.

East Ayrshire’s Depute Provost Claire Leitch will act as an advisor to the group.

The programme is supported by football charity Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise.

Those who want to get involved should contact Lesley by calling her on 07769550024 or emailing lesley@lochlanslegacy.co.uk.