Support & Engagement Groups

Kidney Connect Peer Support Group Meetings

In addition to one-on-one peer support, peer support groups are a great way to connect with others who live with or are affected by kidney disease. Wherever you live, whatever your lived experience of kidney disease, it has never been easier to connect with a group of support. Groups currently meet virtually by phone or through video-conferencing and are facilitated by trained facilitators who live with kidney disease or are caregivers.

Everyone is welcome!

"Open" groups meet monthly and discuss a variety of topics of interest to the participants. A variety of specialty groups support specific needs or stages of the kidney journey - a description of each group is available under the meeting calendar. Support groups will connect you with other individuals who have experienced the impact of kidney disease. Caregivers and family members are also welcome to attend.

Many groups welcome renal professional guest speakers to provide information and answer general questions on living well with kidney disease.

Pre-registration is required for the meetings. Email [email protected] or phone 1-866-390-7337. Once you’ve registered, guidelines and call details will be provided to access the meeting.

• Click here for more details on the support groups

  Open Group

  These groups welcome people with many different lived experiences of kidney disease: first diagnosed, approaching or on dialysis, looking for or living with a transplant, family, friends. All are welcome.

  Living with Reduced Kidney Function

  These groups are great for anyone managing mild to moderate kidney function decline. First diagnosed? Living under the care of your family doctor? Nowhere near dialysis or transplant? This group is for you and your family/friends. If you know your level of kidney function the group typically includes those with eGFR of 25-65.

  Caregivers

  Living with kidney disease or kidney failure is one journey. Supporting a loved one through that journey presents its own challenges. This group is for anyone supporting a loved one to live well with kidney disease. Spouses, children, parents, siblings, friends -- all are welcome.

  Transplant and Living Donors

  Kidney transplant is a life changing treatment for many, but it is not the end of the journey. This group welcomes anyone living with a transplant. Those considering living kidney donation and those who have donated a kidney are welcome as well.

  Paediatric Caregivers

  Anyone supporting a child living with kidney disease will find this a warm and welcoming environment. Led by parents just like you, this group helps parents cope with the challenges of supporting their child while staying well themselves.

  Living with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

  Life with PKD means different treatments, different medications, different strategies. It is a genetic disease so often entire families cope with PKD. If you’ve been diagnosed with PKD this group is for you.

  Young Adults

  Kidney disease is often thought of as a disease that affects older people, but that’s not reality. This group is for young adults ages 18-35 who want to connect with others. The group is a safe space to talk about issues such as, body image, facing the possibility of rejection, and juggling treatments with school, work, and social situations.

  Reproductive Care and Chronic Kidney Disease

  This group supports individuals who seek support as they consider growing their family while living with kidney disease. Hear from individuals and their families as they navigate the physical, mental, and emotional changes and challenges that come with carrying and having a baby while being on dialysis or transplanted and then adjusting to life with a newborn.

  Home Hemodialysis

  This group discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of performing your own hemodialysis at home.

  Living with Glomerulonephritis (GN)

  Living with glomerulonephritis (GN) can mean unique symptoms, treatments, and challenges. GN can exist on its own or as part of other diseases, such as diabetes or lupus. While you are welcome in any "open" group you may find this group especially helpful.