Many people with type 1 don’t often meet others with the same condition. Spending a week together can be life-changing for them. Diabetes educator NARELLE LAMPARD has been running group education sessions for more than two decades.
No two days are ever quite the same, and that variety keeps me engaged and excited about coming into work. I only work three days a week, but even then, my roles are quite varied. One day, I might be in the clinic, seeing people one-on-one, while on another, I might be on the Helpline, talking to callers about diabetes management and answering their questions. Some days, I’m out running group education programs like DESMOND (a full-day program) or shorter, focused sessions from our SMARTS programs—such as MedSmart, CarbSmart, and ShopSmart—where we go in-depth on specific aspects of living with diabetes.
I’ve been at Diabetes WA for more than 20 years, in two separate stints. I worked here for eight years, left to do some other things for a couple of years, then came back for a project that ended up bringing me right back into the fold. I think what brought me back, and what keeps me here, is the people and the support we have for one another. It’s a family-friendly environment, which was especially helpful when my kids were young. Plus, the team is friendly and supportive. It’s a really positive place to work.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is running group education sessions. These sessions are crucial for our clients, especially for people who might feel isolated on their diabetes journey. For someone newly diagnosed, it can feel overwhelming and group sessions give them a chance to meet others going through similar challenges. On the other hand, for those who have been living with diabetes for years, it’s often a refresher and a chance to reconnect and re-motivate themselves. I always find it rewarding when participants leave with a better understanding of their condition and say things like, “I’ve learned so much” or, “This has really helped me.”
Some of the most memorable sessions for me have been the week-long DAFNE (Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating) programs for people with type 1 diabetes. We do two of these a year, and over the five days, you really get to know the participants. Many people with type 1 don’t often meet others with the same condition, so spending a week together can be life-changing for them. It’s common for at least one person in each group to say that the program has been a turning point, helping them get back on track after struggling alone.
Aside from the groups, I also run training sessions for health professionals and support workers, as well as for culturally and linguistically diverse groups. I’ve run sessions for Chinese mothers’ groups, seniors and even at TAFE English classes for new migrants. It’s rewarding to help people who may be facing language barriers understand what diabetes is and how to manage it.
What keeps me motivated is knowing I’m making a difference. Diabetes can be an exhausting condition to live with, so if I can help someone feel a bit more in control or more positive, then that’s a good day’s work for me.
