Empowering the next generation of diabetes advocates: Inside the YLL 2026 Mentors’ Weekend in Brussels

On May 1-3, mentors for the IDF Europe Youth Leadership Lab (YLL) 2026 gathered in Brussels for a weekend of preparation ahead of this year’s programme, which will kick-start in June with two online sessions followed by a one-week training in July, in Évora, Portugal. The weekend combined team building, practical workshops and planning sessions to ensure mentors are well equipped to support participants throughout the YLL.

The Youth Leadership Lab and the Mentorship Programme

Since its launch in 2011, the Youth Leadership Camp, now Lab, has aimed to support a new generation of young diabetes advocates while strengthening a pan-European diabetes network. Each year, around 24 participants aged 18-30 from our member associations are selected to take part in this transformative experience.

Mentorship has always been part of the YLL, but since 2023 it has grown into a fully structured near-peer programme that encourages shared learning between mentors and participants. As YLL alumni, mentors bring relevant experience and insight, enabling them to support participants while also further developing their own leadership and communication skills.

The Mentors’ Weekend

Marking the second mentors’ weekend, following the first edition held in June 2025, the event began on May 1 with an escape room experience as a team-building activity to strengthen cohesion within the mentor group. The next day began with a welcome and opening remarks session led by IDF Europe Board Member, Jaivir Pall, IDF Europe Regional Manager Elisabeth Dupont and IDF Europe Youth Representative on the Board, Uroš Bogdanović. From there, mentors were guided through the YLL mentorship framework by IDF Europe Project Coordinator, Cameron Keighron, and Youth Coordinator, Joana Amorim, gaining a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

A key highlight was Jaivir’s introduction of the Mentors’ Handbook providing guidance on how mentors can effectively support participants throughout the programme and grow in their role. Together with Paco Orengo Sánchez, from MiniMed, a long-standing supporter of the YLL, Jaivir also led a workshop on leadership styles, personality dynamics and communication – equipping mentors with essential skills to support a diverse group of participants. Paco also facilitated a hands-on workshop on facilitation skills, ensuring mentors are ready to guide group discussions and create inclusive spaces where every voice is heard and valued. Complementing these sessions, Cameron introduced the themes that the four participant groups will work on during the one-week training in Évora in July.

A particularly meaningful moment came during the peer learning session, where experienced and new mentors exchanged insights, shared personal experiences and reflected on the power of learning from one another – a key strength of our community of young diabetes advocates.