A new 'Teddy Bear Clinic' launched by the Countess of Chester Hospital is helping children with diabetes understand the condition.

Inspired by a similar successful programme at Leeds Children's Hospital, the scheme is designed for children under seven and their families, creating a relaxed environment where learning about diabetes becomes part of play.

During the group-based sessions, children are encouraged to bring along their favourite teddy bear or soft toy and help care for them at a series of themed activity stations.

Through play, youngsters can explore topics including insulin injections, insulin pumps, healthy eating, exercise and living well with diabetes.

The clinic also gives children the opportunity to meet others their age who are also living with diabetes, helping them feel less alone and creating friendships with other children who understand the realities of living with the condition.

Many children attending the clinic are living with Type 1 diabetes, a lifelong autoimmune condition that can have a significant impact on the children and their families.

Whilst children take part in the activities, parents and carers can spend time with one another, building connections with families who are navigating similar journeys.

"We saw what Leeds Children's Hospital was doing and felt it was something that could really benefit our families here in Chester," said Helen Dodd, paediatric diabetes specialist nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

"A traditional clinic appointment can be quite a big thing for a young child. There can be lots of healthcare professionals involved and children are often expected to sit still for long periods while important conversations take place."

She explained how the 'Teddy Bear Clinic' creates a "much warmer" and "more relaxed" environment for the children, allowing the children to play and learn whilst parents speak to consultants without distraction.

"It also gives families the chance to meet others who are going through similar experiences," Helen added.

"That peer support is really valuable – especially for families who are coming to terms with a new diagnosis of diabetes in their children and we're hoping to run these clinics regularly in the future."

Six-year-old Frankie, who lives with diabetes, is already seeing the benefits of the initiative after forming a close friendship with another child she met through the service.

Frankie's dad, Jamie Jones, said: "The clinic is such a great idea. Frankie doesn't know many other children who have diabetes, so she doesn't often get the chance to spend time with other children who understand what it's like.

"These sessions give the children so much freedom to play together and they genuinely look forward to seeing each other.

"The support from the team has been amazing and the children have been so excited to come along today, which isn't always the case with hospital appointments."

The 'Teddy Bear Clinic' is located inside the trust's new Women and Children's building, which opened in 2025.