The «CAF» Charitable Foundation for Philanthropy Development
Alfa-Endo program: complex help for families in difficult life situation raising children with diabetes mellitus
CSS contribution, rubles
Total budget, rubles
Implementation period, months
Project idea
The project's aim is to provide training for mentors within the diabetic association.
Mentors are seasoned parents who have mastered the management of their child's diabetes. Their responsibility is to inform and support families facing challenging circumstances who have children with this disease as they navigate various social institutions.
Receiving a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in a child is a significant challenge for the entire family. This news only worsens the plight of those in difficult circumstances.
Medical procedures that need to be performed daily demand significant psychological preparation and can be a source of stress for the entire family.
In a supportive home environment and with effective diabetes management, children can develop alongside their peers, acquire knowledge, and ultimately lead a fulfilling life.
For this reason, providing comprehensive support to families with children who have diabetes and are facing challenging circumstances is of utmost importance.
To achieve this goal, it is essential to establish a comprehensive system of medical and social support involving qualified specialists, psychologists, pediatric endocrinologists, and mentors who will serve as guides to help families in difficult life circumstances address the challenges associated with having a child with diabetes.
Relevance
In Russia, there are 47,000 children living with diabetes. Within the Moscow Region, the number stands at 2,520, while the Vologda Region accounts for 492 of these cases.
The Kaluga Region reports 299 cases, and the Kostroma Region has 201.
Despite the state providing families with most of their necessities, numerous children still feel they are worse off than they potentially could be. This is due to parents' or children's failure to comply with medical recommendations, with insufficient understanding of the seriousness of the diagnosis. It is not uncommon for parents who discover that their children have type 1 diabetes to forego seeking any medical or social support.
The underlying causes of this approach to the disease stem from parents' limited understanding of the condition and their lack of knowledge regarding the range of medical and social support available to them and their entitlements.
Concurrently, inadequate management of the condition elevates the risk of coma and can result in cardiovascular complications, vision loss, and limb amputation. Self-discipline and internal control, along with a clear comprehension of the severity of this illness, are crucial in managing diabetes.
It can be taught!
Social effect
Enhancing the quality of life for children with type 1 diabetes in the Kostroma, Kaluga, Vologda, and Moscow Regions by educating them on self-management of the condition.
KPI
KPI
Project Results
The results were assessed using a survey administered to the parents involved in the project. Upon completion of this project, the majority of families improved the frequency of medical follow-ups, and nearly all reported enhanced health and well-being in their children. All participants confirmed that they are now aware of where to seek assistance when necessary and have gained an understanding of the available social support options.
Seventy percent of those surveyed had improved relationships in their families.
Over 80% of individuals facing challenging life circumstances were able to accurately respond to questions regarding the self-management of diabetes in children and acknowledged the importance of this oversight.
The project also involved doctors and social welfare professionals. They also acquired new, profound insights into the significance and nuances of engaging with families in difficult life circumstances who are raising children with diabetes.
Project progress after CSS funding
The four diabetic associations have had positive experiences participating in grant competitions. The successful execution of this project will enable them to expand their support for families in difficult life circumstances and to seek funding through new grant programs at both federal and regional levels. Plans are underway to enhance support for families in difficult life circumstances across various regions, while also securing additional funding from both governmental and non-governmental sources.
