Being diagnosed with a chronic illness is life-changing and can happen with little or no warning. We’re here to provide emotional support and resources to help people live well with kidney disease.
The Kidney Connect Peer Support Program
Peer support is one of our key services. The KIDNEY CONNECT Peer Support Program is an opportunity for people affected by kidney disease to talk to others who’ve been there too. The program is free, confidential, and is there to help anyone touched by kidney disease. For example, people who have been diagnosed with kidney disease or those whose kidneys have failed, as well as their friends, families, and loved ones can all use the service. It’s also there for those who are considering donating one of their kidneys to someone in need.
The program is staffed by a team of volunteers who’ve been specially trained as mentors for people with kidney disease and their families and friends. All the volunteers are either living with the disease themselves or have been affected by it in some way. They understand how difficult it can be and can give you the personal encouragement and support you need.
Peer Support volunteers will share their experiences with you, but they do not offer medical advice. Your kidney healthcare team is always the best source of medical information about your situation and the treatments available in your community.
One-on-One Peer Support
Speak with someone who truly understands what it’s like to live with kidney disease, and is willing to share their own experiences with you. Volunteers provide support mainly by telephone, but sometimes through face-to-face contact, when possible.
Our private discussion forum, kidneyconnect.ca, allows you to connect online with other people living with or affected by kidney disease. They’ll be able to answer many of your questions, because they’ve been there too.
Wherever you live, whatever your lived experience of kidney disease, it has never been easier to connect with a support group. Groups meet virtually via phone or video-conferencing and are led by trained facilitators.
