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What is Peer Support?
The Peer Support Service is a national online service provided by the Irish Kidney Association. The Peer Support service is for people living with end stage kidney disease and is provided by patients (peers) who have gone through similar experiences themselves.
Peer Support involves people with lived experience of end stage kidney disease supporting patients and their families who are facing similar situations. The service offers short term practical, emotional and social support by appointment online.
Peer Support is intended to complement the care and education you receive from your kidney healthcare team and is an additional service which is available if you want it.
To connect with a Peer Supporter please print and complete the Peer Support form. Once received we will contact you to confirm that we have an accurate understanding of your needs, and your availability to engage in the service. We will then match you to a Peer Supporter and arrange for your online meetings. If you are a healthcare provider looking to refer a patient to our Peer Support service please use the Healthcare Provider Form.
Joining Peer Support
Become A Peer Support Volunteer
Peer Support Self Referral Form
Health Care Provider Referral Form
Become a Home Haemodialysis Peer Supporter
We are looking for someone who is post-transplant with lived experience of home haemodialysis to join as a volunteer in our Peer Support Service.
What is home haemodialysis?
Home Haemodialysis (HHD) is a form of kidney replacement therapy that allows patients with kidney failure to perform dialysis at home. Using a Home Haemodialysis Machine, this treatment involves filtering the blood through a dialyser to remove waste and excess fluid, offering patients greater flexibility and independence compared to in-center treatments.
Become a Living Donor Peer Supporter
We are looking for someone who is a living donor to join as a volunteer in our Peer Support Service.
What is a living donor?
A living donor is a healthy individual who voluntarily donates a kidney to someone in need of a transplant. Typically, this donor is a relative, spouse, or close friend of the recipient.
Peer Support Volunteer Information Evening
We hosted an online information evening via Zoom for individuals interested in joining our Peer Support Programme as volunteers. This session was designed for patients or family members who have firsthand experience of living with end-stage kidney disease. During the session, attendees had the opportunity to learn about the expectations and training involved in becoming a volunteer.
Real Stories, Real Impact
To truly understand how our Peer Support service can make a difference, who better to explain it than those who have walked the path themselves?
Watch this video to see how four individuals found solace, strength, and support through connecting with peers who genuinely understand their journey.
This project is supported by a grant from the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund
Peer Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are considering becoming a peer support volunteer or seeking support yourself, this section is designed to provide you with clear, helpful information to guide your decision.
Who are the Peer Support Volunteers?
Our Peer Support Volunteers:
– Are patients or family members who have first-hand experience of living with end stage kidney disease e.g dialysis or transplanted
– Have completed training to provide peer support
– Come from across Ireland and have a wide range of ages, backgrounds, interests and life experiences.
Peer Support volunteers are not medical experts or trained counsellors and cannot offer advice about medical treatments, kidney diseases or medications.
How can Peer Support help me?
Many people who face challenges find it helpful to talk with someone who is or has been in a similar situation. Peer support can provide you with many benefits including:
– Being able to talk to someone who has had to cope with similar experiences and understands the challenges you are facing
– Sharing common experiences
– Sharing information, Learning and practical experiences
– Helping you to feel greater confidence in taking control of managing your kidney disease
– Get a better understanding of your treatment and treatment options
– Reassurance that you are not alone