NHS Lothian Charity Celebrates Impact of Renal Young Adult Service on World Kidney Day

On World Kidney Day, NHS Lothian Charity shines a spotlight on the transformative impact of the Renal Young Adult Service, a pioneering initiative in Scotland dedicated to supporting young adults aged 16-35 living with kidney conditions. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, the Charity has supported a Renal Young Adult Support Worker post for three years to set up this service.

Established in May 2023, the service provides tailored support through individual consultations and group settings, including a monthly peer support group at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE). The service’s success is evident in its rapid growth and achievements, including a presentation at the national Kidney Conference at Edinburgh’s International Conference Centre, where Sharlene Taylor, the Renal Young Adult Support Worker, and a young adult shared their experiences.

A highlight of the service has been a weekend retreat to the Kidney Care UK’s residential weekend to the Mount Cook Activity Centre in Derbyshire. This marked the first time Scottish service users attended the annual event, designed to foster connection, build confidence, and provide a fun, supportive environment for young people navigating similar health journeys. NHS Lothian Charity’s funding covered transportation costs and t-shirts for all participants, ensuring that ten young patients could participate in this life-changing experience.

“The impact of this weekend was profound,” says Sharlene Taylor. “Seeing these young adults grow in confidence and form lasting friendships was truly inspiring. The support from NHS Lothian Charity made it possible for them to experience joy and connection, which are so vital for their wellbeing.”

Looking ahead, the service has exciting plans, including art workshops facilitated by NHS Lothian Charity’s Tonic Arts programme, allowing young adults to express their emotions through various artistic mediums. An exhibition of their work at the RIE is planned for late summer, and a visit to an art exhibition at Glasgow Royal Infirmary will offer further inspiration and connection with other patients.

Further demonstrating the service’s innovative approach, a “Kidney Friendly Bake Off” challenge is scheduled for May, coinciding with World Baking Day. Funded by NHS Lothian Charity to cover ingredient costs, this event will encourage young adults to explore kidney-friendly recipes in a fun and engaging way. Kidney Kitchen Chef Paul Ripley will be a guest judge, further enhancing the event’s appeal.

The service’s impact is reflected in the positive feedback from service users. “You no longer feel alone in the battle,” one participant shared, while others highlighted the increased understanding and mental support they received.

NHS Lothian Charity is proud to support this invaluable service, which addresses crucial aspects of young adults’ lives, including education, employment, relationships, and mental health. By providing funding for resources and activities, the Charity can enable these young people to thrive despite their health challenges.

“The renal Young Adult Support Worker role has been a critical addition to the renal unit,” says Samantha van Barneveld, Renal Social Worker at the RIE. “It enables a level of psychosocial care that is not possible without investment in peer support networks.”

Dawnn Relph, another Renal Social Worker, emphasises the profound change she has seen in patients: “Sharlene is able to work alongside the young person offering holistic support around a vast range of matters and creating a relationship of trust and respect.”