Support and Engagement Groups
Everyone is welcome!
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.
"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 peersupport@kidney.ca or phone 1-866-390-7337. Once you’ve registered, guidelines and call details will be provided to access the meeting.
Calendar of upcoming support group meetings
Click on a meeting to get more information.
Details on support groups
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.
Chinese Support Group
This group supports individuals from the Chinese community and is a space to talk about any cultural topics related to living with chronic kidney disease. The group will be conducted in Mandarin and Cantonese.
Home Dialysis
This group discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of performing dialysis at home. This group welcomes those who are on peritoneal or home hemodialysis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.