Thriveabetes 2024:
A Huge Success
What another great day! The 7th Thriveabetes Type 1 Diabetes Conference successfully concluded on Saturday, October 5th, at The Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise, bringing together 170 people from 28 of the 32 counties in Ireland living with or affected by Type 1 diabetes for a day of connection, learning, and empowerment.
The conference, organised by Thriveabetes, a volunteer-run organisation created by and for people living with Type 1 diabetes, featured a diverse lineup of speakers, interactive sessions, and an exhibition showcasing lots of diabetes technology and accessories. The event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to meet others facing similar challenges and gain insights into managing the condition, both physically and emotionally.
Their inspiring presentations focused on the power of community support and strategies to tackle the psychological aspects of living with diabetes. Keynote speaker Chris Bright, who was diagnosed at the age of 8, shared his journey with type 1 diabetes from diagnosis to creating The Diabetes Football Community in his 20s for community support and his current role with BreakthroughT1D (formerly JDRF UK) as Community Partnerships and Events Lead, which takes him all over the UK meeting people with diabetes.
Photo credit: Damien Mangan, DPRM photography
The day was closed with a presentation on “Psychology Magic: Tips & Tricks to Make Living with Diabetes a Little Bit Easier” by Dr Rose Stewart. Dr Stewart is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Diabetes Psychology Lead for Wales, Chair of the UK Diabetes Psychology Network and Author of the "Talking Type 1" book series.
The event highlighted the importance of addressing the often-overlooked psychological impacts of managing diabetes, offering workshops and discussions focused on mental health.
Other featured speakers included prominent members of the Type 1 diabetes community, such as Diabetes Technology Enthusiast Ken Barclay, world champion kickboxer Catherine Brady, registered dietitian Dr Cathy Breen, Polish illustrator Weronica Burkot, Communications & Media Coach and Midlands103FM Broadcaster Aisling O’Rourke and Psychotherapist Paula Short, who shared their personal experiences and professional expertise.
With over ten years of success, the Thriveabetes conference began with a special commemorative video created by Errin Roche celebrating seven conferences, which will be available on the Thriveabetes website soon.
Images from Thriveabetes 2024, Photo credit Damien Mangan, DPRM photography
