Empowering young adults: Type 2 Take 2 program wins Young People’s Service Award

We’re delighted to announce that the Type 2 Take 2 programme and the Lambeth/Southwark Young Adults Diabetes services have won the ‘Young People’s Service Award’ at the Diabetes UK Conference in March for the second consecutive year. The programme demonstrates how a collaborative approach can provide meaningful support and drive real, lasting change.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in young adults is rapidly increasing and is associated with a more rapid disease progression and higher risk of complications than those diagnosed with diabetes at an older age. In Lambeth and Southwark specifically, there was a 29% increase in the number of 19-24yr olds with type 2 diabetes between April 2021 and March 2023. Young adults face unique psychosocial and clinical challenges related to their diabetes, but are less likely to receive key diabetes care processes, and there is no tailored support to their specific needs.

Hear more from the young people involved in a video produced by King’s Health Partners:

These initiatives, driven by collaboration across King’s Health Partners—including Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College London, and the Lambeth and Southwark Diabetes Intermediate Care Teams—aim to address this and improve care for young adults aged 19-24 with type 2 diabetes in Lambeth and Southwark.

The Type 2 Take 2 programme, funded by Lambeth Together and Partnership Southwark Health Inequalities Programme, focuses on empowering young adults to manage their diabetes. It includes specialist clinics and a co-designed support and education programme involving tailored exercise, cooking sessions, group discussions, games, and a step-tracking app with rewards. The programme has already seen a 30% increase in participants’ average step count, with further evaluations underway.

Additionally, the Lambeth and Southwark Young Adults Diabetes services have launched specialist clinics within the Lambeth and Southwark Diabetes Intermediate Care Team. These clinics provide targeted care and support for young adults, addressing their unique psychosocial and clinical challenges. This work, funded separately by NHS England, complements the Type 2 Take 2 programme and enhances the overall care provided to young adults in the region.

Why diabetes is an important issue for Lambeth Together

There are many health conditions that are preventable or treatable with early help. Our Neighbourhood and Wellbeing Delivery Alliance is working together to support more people to manage and prevent long-term health conditions so they can live full, active lives.  Find out more about our Neighbourhood and Wellbeing Alliance.