Community Involvement in research is more than just participating in a study. It is having the opportunity to be part of decision-making processes that can affect real impact for those living with T1D and those that care for them. You can find out more about our Community Involvement Framework here.
Definition: A Consumer Representative is an individual person who voices consumer perspectives on behalf of other consumers, albeit with a narrower view. They bring their lived experiences to the table so that children and young people living with T1D remain the focus of all our research, ensuring that research outcomes and new models of care are fit for purpose.
Currently, there are:
- 14 T1D Community Advisory Group (T1DCAG) members nationally, and growing;
- 2 Management Steering Group members;
- 2 Health Economic Working Group members;
- 13 Reference Group members across 2 Reference Groups;
- 1 Steering Group member;
- 9 Research Buddies.
What have Consumer Representatives have been working on in 2025?
T1D Community Advisory Group (T1DCAG)
- Socioecological model review
- Early-Stage Clinic Resources review
- SEED Fund Project support
Research Buddies
Research Buddies work directly alongside researchers on specific projects. They provide guidance and advice on research protocols, project design, information sheets, ethics applications, communication, and study recruitment.
Our Research Buddies have been involved in the following projects:
- SEED Fund projects
- Defining and implementing best practice paediatric to adult diabetes care transition - a multi-stakeholder perspective
- Mental Health projects:
- Assessing routine psychosocial screening for youth with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers in Australia
- PERSIST Study – The phenomenology of suicidal and self-injurious thoughts and behaviours in young people living with type 1 diabetes
- CaLD resources development
- Early-Stage Clinic resource development
- Early Access to Hybrid Closed Loop model of care
By having people with lived experience embedded as Research Buddies within projects, from the grant application phase right through every stage of the project, ensures any outcomes will be meaningful to children, young people and those that care for them.
If you are interested in becoming a Research Buddy with the Centre, please contact the Community Involvement Coordinator community@childrensdiabetesresearch.org.au.
Involvement Opportunities
- T1DCAG
The T1DCAG are currently looking for new members. If you meet the following criteria and are interested in joining our passionate group, please contact the Community Involvement Coordinator:
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- Live in a rural, regional, or remote area in WA, NT, VIC, ACT or TAS; and/or
- Belong to a culturally and linguistically diverse community; and
- You or your child live with T1D.
- Community of Practice
Researchers, clinicians and healthcare professionals are encouraged to join our Community of Practice. To register, visit here.
- Social Media
You can find us on Facebook and LinkedIn. Follow us to find out where we are, what we are doing and what you could be involved in. We also share links to our research publications.