Paediatric Diabetes Psychology
On this page
1. About us
Living with diabetes can be challenging—for children, young people, and their families. Our Paediatric Diabetes Clinical Psychology Service is here to support emotional wellbeing and help you manage the difficulties that can come with the condition.
We work closely with the wider paediatric diabetes team to make sure everyone receives the right support at the right time.
We provide psychological support for:
- Children and young people (up to 18 years old) diagnosed with diabetes
- Families and carers
Our aims are to:
- Support emotional wellbeing and mental health in relation to living with and caring for diabetes
- Help young people and families adjust to living with diabetes
- Understand any challenges you’re facing and work with you to find helpful ways forward
Where we work:
- Outpatient clinics
- Hospital clinics and wards
- Schools
- Virtual
We work closely with the wider paediatric diabetes team at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust to ensure joined‑up and holistic care.
2. Paediatric Diabetes Clinical Psychology team
- Dr Megan McTiffin Clinical Psychologist
- Isabel Blacker - Secretary
3. What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your first appointment will last around 60 minutes.
- Most young people come with a parent or carer for the first session, although they can attend on their own if they prefer.
- The psychologist will talk about how you’re coping with diabetes and how it’s affecting different parts of life—home, school, friendships, mood, and daily routines.
- You can discuss what’s going well and what feels more difficult.
- Support is always your choice—our psychologist will only work with you if you feel it would be helpful.
At the end of the appointment, you’ll agree together what the next steps should be. This might include:
- More sessions with the psychologist
- Support from another member of the diabetes team
- A referral to a different service that better meets your needs
4. Where We Offer Appointments
You can meet with the clinical psychologist in a range of settings:
- Outpatient appointments: Rainbow Community Hub, Elland
- Hospital appointments and ward: Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal Hospital
- School visits: We can meet you at your school if that is easier
- Virtual sessions: Available if you prefer or if attending in person is difficult
5. How to Be Referred
There are several ways to access the service:
- Speak to any member of the paediatric diabetes team during your clinic appointment
- Contact your named paediatric diabetes nurse between appointments to request a referral
- Sometimes the diabetes team may recommend a referral if they feel emotional support could be helpful—they may contact you directly to talk about this
6. Contact Us
Our secretary can reached on 01484 34 6030 Monday to Friday during 8.30-4pm
7. Other useful information
- Night OWLS (8pm-8am) free on 0800 148 8244 or you could send them a text on 07984 376950 (charges may apply), or go to their website and use the chat function on www.wynightowls.org.uk
- Child Line (open until midnight) for free confidential support on 0800 1111
- YoungMinds crisis messenger (open 24 hours) is a free text support service for those in crisis TEXT YM to 85258
- HOPELineUK (open until midnight) free help to young people experiencing suicidal thoughts on 0800 068 4141, or send them a text on 07860039967, or email them on pat@papyrus-uk.org
- Samaritans Available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress and despair.