P125
A NATIONAL RESIDENTIAL PROJECT TO INCREASE PEER SUPPORT
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG ADULTS LIVING WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
Tomlin, M1&2, Tutton, S3, Woodland, J3, Nottage, C4, Lentell, L5
¹Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, ²Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust,
3
North Bristol NHS Trust, 4Guys’ and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, 5North East
Renal Network
BACKGROUND:
Young adults aged 18-25 living with kidney disease are a complex group who face a wide range
of health and social challenges. Transitioning from paediatric to adult renal services can be
particularly challenging and many young adults struggle to adapt to this change. This group also
makes up a small percentage of the overall population living with kidney disease and as a result
can feel very isolated. Peer support can play a vital role in addressing these issues.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
This residential project aimed to provide opportunities for young adults to meet other renal
patients of a similar age, to improve their knowledge of their condition, and to offer respite from
the daily challenges of living with a chronic illness. This was the first known national
residential project specifically for young adults living with kidney disease, and incorporated
patients of all treatment modalities.
METHODS:
The project was a 3-night residential in the Peak District which brought together young adults
from across England. The weekend was funded by the British Kidney Patient Association, and
was organised by young adult renal key workers from different disciplines and hospitals across
England. The programme included outdoor pursuits, group activities and free time to allow
young adults to develop peer support networks. Workshops were also provided to young adults
throughout the weekend on topics including moving away from home, balancing work and
treatment, coping with fatigue, and exercise.
RESULTS:
28 young adults representing 11 different hospitals attended. These included transplant, dialysis,
and pre-dialysis patients. 25% of those who attended hadn’t met other young adults living with
kidney disease prior to the weekend.
Key themes to come from the evaluation of the residential included the value of peer support
and the opportunity to build new friendships, the fun, enjoyment and positive memories that
young adults would take away with them, and improved knowledge of kidney disease and how
to minimise its impact on their lives. Many young adults also commented on feeling more
confident and less isolated as a result of attending. Participants have kept in contact since the
weekend through online social networking sites and texting.
CONCLUSIONS:
Evaluation has highlighted the positive impact that this project had on those who participated
and how the opportunity helped improve young adult’s confidence and reduce the isolation that
they face. The residential proved an effective tool for facilitating the development of peer
support networks and supporting young adults to improve their knowledge and awareness of
their health condition. It is anticipated that this peer support will contribute to improved positive
outcomes for young adults, and will lead to them becoming less constrained by their kidney
disease, and living a more fulfilled life as a result. These long-term outcomes and benefits will
be reviewed at future peer support opportunities.