Thank you for your question, Elizabeth.

The Jelly Bean Club and newsletter were developed in 1992 as a Diabetes Australia-NSW membership benefit for children with type 1 diabetes under 12 years of age.  At that time all resources were aimed at adults with type 2 diabetes with nothing available for the younger child.  The aim of the Jelly Bean Club is to provide diabetes information and support in an age appropriate format to help children with diabetes feel less isolated and give them an opportunity to share their experiences. The Marketing Department at Diabetes Australia-NSW wrote the first newsletter introducing the concept of the Jelly Bean Club at the same time.  

Membership and its benefits are promoted on the Diabetes Australia-NSW website, on http://www.diabeteskidsandteens.com.au/, at camps for children with type 1 diabetes and at events where Diabetes Australia-NSW is invited to attend with a stand.

The Jelly Bean Club and Jelly Bean newsletter now reaches 850 children under 12 years in NSW, as well as children in QLD, Tasmania and the ACT in recent years.  An annual family picnic day, the Jelly Bean Picnic, has been held for over 10 years and attracts over 400 families and children.  Evaluation of the Jelly Bean newsletter is conducted every three years and the Jelly Bean picnic is evaluated annually.