Winner
STEPPS (Structured Training and Education with Psychological and Peer Support)
by Ormskirk District General Hospital
Executive Summary
STEPPS (Structured Training and Education with Psychological and Peer Support) is a NHS multi-disciplinary initiative co-developed by Southport and Ormskirk Paediatric Diabetes Team (MWL) and Psychology (Mercycare) to transform structured education for children and young people (CYP) with type 1 diabetes. Delivered in school and bespoke settings, combining age-appropriate structured learning with psychological tools and peer- led support, STEPPS empowers CYP to improve self-management and quality of life, it targets glycaemic control, emotional resilience, and social confidence, demonstrating improved engagement, reduced HbA1c, and enhanced team-family relationships. STEPPS is sustainable, reproducible, and centred on equity, motivation, and holistic care.
Judges’ comments:
The STEPPS entry was a powerful, patient-driven initiative that creates a supportive community for children and young people (CYP) living with diabetes. The programme offers an alternative, engaging learning environment with strong evidence-based aims to empower CYP and families. It was clearly developed in response to service user feedback, addressing a real and unmet need. True collaboration with the people they are caring for.
Highly Commended
Improving Footcare Equity: A Practical Guide for Dark Skin Tones
by Diabetes Africa
Executive Summary
The Diabetes Footcare in Dark Skin Tones handbook—a free, multimedia-rich education resource with an active communication campaign—supports healthcare professionals to deliver better, more equitable footcare for people with dark skin tones. Co-created by nine contributors including footcare specialists, diabetes clinicians, primary care professionals and a person living with diabetes, it offers clear guidance for thorough clinical assessment, standardised documentation and culturally sensitive communication. It brings together these elements for the first time in simple, accessible language, making it practical for everyday use and enabling earlier recognition of complications to improve outcomes for people living with diabetes.
Judges’ comments:
Improving Footcare Equity enabled individuals to have confidence in the assessments of dark skin. With 30,000 downloads, the judges could see this changing primary car feet assessment. They also liked the language matters part, answering an under addressed issue. The book was comprehensive for the target audience and it was thought provoking.
Commended
Headlines – The DSN Forum UK Podcast
by DSN Forum UK
Executive Summary
Headlines is a peer-led podcast created by the DSN Forum UK to support and educate Healthcare professionals working in diabetes care. Launched in March 2023, it provides timely, evidence-based updates on policy, conferences, and real-world clinical challenges. Curated and hosted by practicing DSNs, it delivers on-the-go CPD through peer-led conversation and clinical viewpoints. With over 50 episodes and listeners in 60+ countries, Headlines offers inclusive and scalable education that encourages professional confidence, reflection, and engagement. The podcast is a resource for diabetes professionals across settings and was recently named one of the “15 Best Podcasts for Nurses” by Nursing Standard.
Judges’ comments:
Headlines – The DSN Forum UK Podcast was a fantastic project with patient care at its heart. It is free and inclusive, with a big impact, Innovative and enthusiastic. The topics were relevant and up-to-date, making it a big go to for DSN’s nationally.
Finalist
diabetesinschools.org
by DigiBete CIC, Children and Young People’s Diabetes Network and Leeds Children’s Hospital
Executive Summary
Children and young people (CYP) with diabetes spend one third of their life in school, often being cared for by staff with limited diabetes knowledge. In 2024, DigiBete launched diabetesinschools.org – comprehensive, interactive online training for school staff. It has been created in collaboration with HCP, young people and major diabetes charities – Breakthrough T1D and Diabetes UK. It has provided national consistency in schools training, is time efficient for HCP, providing prior knowledge to then complement in person practical skills training. It is used alongside a digital healthcare plan which all CYP need in school.
Judges’ comments:
diabetesinschools.org was a really good entry, which thought of elements beyond schools. It had national reach, with free access.. Overall, a great piece of work and judges look forward to seeing it develop.
