We have some news that a lot of families have been waiting for, and we are delighted to share it.
Due to overwhelming demand, we are opening applications for our incredible Diabetic Alert Assistance Dogs and Medical Therapy Dogs. This will be for a limited four-week period in July, with places offered on our 2027 programme.
If you have a Type 1 Diabetic child and live within a two-hour drive of our National Training Centre in Maidstone, this is for you. Keep a close eye on our page over the coming weeks, because once the window opens, the clock starts ticking.
What our dogs do
For a family living with Type 1 Diabetes, the worry never really switches off. Blood sugars can swing dangerously high or dangerously low, often with little warning, and the small hours of the night can be the most frightening of all.
This is where our dogs change everything.
A Diabetic Alert Assistance Dog is trained to detect the subtle changes in a child's blood sugar, often before a monitor picks them up, and to alert the child or their parents so action can be taken in time. Our Medical Therapy Dogs offer a different but equally precious kind of support, bringing calm, comfort and confidence to a child for whom daily life with Type 1 can feel overwhelming.
The result is the same. More safety, more confidence, more independence, and a family that can finally breathe a little easier.
Why we have eligibility criteria
We are often asked why we set the conditions we do. The honest answer is that they exist to give every dog the very best chance of success, and every child the safest possible partnership. Before you apply, here are the key things to know:
- Applications will be open for four weeks only, during July
- Applicants must live within a two-hour drive of Maidstone
- There must be no other dogs in the household
- The home must be smoke free and vape free
The distance matters because our support does not end when a dog qualifies. We are with each family for the life of the dog, with regular top-up training and assessments, so being within reach of Maidstone keeps that ongoing care practical. The household conditions protect the dog's training and its finely tuned sense of smell, which is the very thing that keeps your child safe.
What happens next
Places on our 2027 programme are strictly limited, so a little preparation now will stand you in good stead. It is worth having a think about your home set-up and daily routine, and being ready to act as soon as the window opens.
Full details, the complete eligibility criteria and the exact application dates will be announced very soon.
So please, watch this space and follow our page so you do not miss the moment applications open. For so many families, this is the first step towards a calmer, safer and more independent life. We cannot wait to begin the journey with you.