What’s Inside
Updates on whatwe’ve done sofar this year What’s coming up inthe next 6 months Howyour donation helps Storiesfrom peoplejust like you Contact Us
Welcome to the first edition of NKF Members Exclusive
We’redelightedtobringyoutheveryfirstissueofExclusive!Yournewbiannualnewsletter createdespeciallyforourindividualNKFmembers.Whetheryou’renewlyjoinedora longstandingsupporter,thisspaceisforyou,aplacetostayinformed,inspiredandin touchwiththewiderkidneycommunity.Firstandforemost,aheartfeltthankyoutoallof ourNKFmembers-yourcommitmenthelpsuscontinuetheworkwedotoinform,support, andadvocateforpeoplelivingwithkidneyconditions.
We’rethrilledtosharethat120newmembershavejoinedusalreadythisyear!That’s120 morevoices,stories,andconnectionshelpingtostrengthenourcommunityandshapethe futureofkidneycare.Everynewmemberaddstothesharedunderstandingandsolidarity thatmakesthisnetworksospecial.
Wehopethisnewsletterbecomesavaluableandupliftingtouchpointthroughouttheyear -areminderthatyou’renotalone,andthattogether,wecanmakearealdifference.
Thankyouagainforbeingpartofthisjourneywithus.Here’stonewbeginningsand strongerconnections.
Keep reading to see what we’ve accomplished so far this year
Whathashappened sofarthisyear?
World Kidney Day
On World Kidney Day, 13 March, along with the Kidney Charities Together Group that consists of the National Kidney Federation, Kidney Research UK, UK Kidney Association, Kidney Care UK, PKD Charity, Kidney Wales and Popham Kidney Support, we launched a new joint campaign. The campaign called ‘Don’t Kid Yourself’, was all about the challenging myths about kidney disease and shining a light on the true facts.
So many volunteers, staff and patients got involved with the day to raise awareness, many KPAs were on hand at their local hospitals with kidney information stands and World Kidney Day UK material that the joint charities put together.
Kidney Patient Association Day
Each year, the NKF hosts a dedicated KPA Day, bringing together KPAs from across the country to connect, collaborate and grow. This event provides a valuable platform for KPA members to network, exchange experiences, and gain practical knowledge to strengthen their local associations.
The sessions are designed to be interactive and thought-provoking, encouraging an open discussion and sharing of ideas. There were breakout groups facilitated by NKF staff members and the topics that were focused on were chosen by KPAs themselves, ensuring that the content is directly relevant to their needs.
Sessions covered growing KPA membership, raising the profile of local KPAs through marketing and social media and effective strategies for joint fundraising.
By participating in KPA Day, KPA members not only benefit from peer to peer learning, but also receive ongoing support from the NKF, helping them to become more stronger and be more sustainable to serve their local kidney communities.
If you’d like to know more about the Kidney Patient Association (KPA) in your area, please contact Chis Talbot, NKF Membership Development Lead, either by phone – 07908 845713 or email chris@kidney.org.uk
All-Party Parliamentary Kidney Group (APPKG) Summit
The All-Party Parliamentary Kidney Group (APPKG) enhances parliamentary understanding of kidney disease and advocates for improved health services for those with renal disease. It unites parliamentarians dedicated to advancing kidney health policy and ensuring patient needs remain central to healthcare decisions.
The NKF performs the role of Secretariat by Andrea Brown, Chief Executive.
The NKF hosted a Summit on increasing home dialysis in the UK in May at Westminster, marking the culmination of the NKF's five-year home dialysis campaign and brought together key stakeholders from across the kidney care community. The Summit aimed to address significant inequities in home dialysis provision, as data from the UK Renal Registry had clearly demonstrated that patients who dialysed at home experienced substantially better outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the recent confirmation of all four officers for the APPKG, this summit offered a unique opportunity to translate the home dialysis campaign's findings into concrete policy changes.
For more information on the APPKG and the recent summit visit: www.kidney.org.uk/appkg-meetings
Manifesto - Increasing Home Dialysis in England for the Benefit of Patients and the NHS
A manifesto was published a month after the summit by the NKF and APPKG in the form of a report with recommendations prepared for the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the NHS and the kidney community following their five year home dialysis campaign.
The manifesto outlines the charity’s vision to prioritise home dialysis as a treatment option, empowering kidney patients to advocate for their own care and makes it clear that the NHS is under growing pressure.
To read the manifesto visit: www.kidney.org.uk/home-dialysis-campaign-manifesto
FREE TO CALL HELPLINE: 0800 169 09 36 EMAIL: NKF@KIDNEY.ORG.UK
The National Kidney Federation Helpline has had a busy first six months of 2025, reflecting the ongoing needs of individuals affected by kidney disease. The Helpline, which provides vital support to patients, carers, renal units, and those utilising the NKF Peer Support Service, has assistedaround2,000individuals during this first period of the year.
The Helpline's dedicated staff, Linda and Stephen, have been busy managing all aspects of the Helpline. Their efforts have resulted in a large volume of direct communication with those seeking assistance, they have handledatotalof1,200telephonecallsandrespondedto850emails. The Helpline has also answered60inquiriesvialivechat
The most frequently addressed topics by the helpline during this period have been Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), general advice on kidney conditions, and dialysis.
PatientInformationLeafletorders
Since the start of the year, they have also printedanddistributed18,000patientinformationleaflets toaround100renalanddialysisunitsacrosstheUK. They have also providedleafletsto10kidney patientassociations. The Helpline have also distributedover400patientinformationsupportpacks torenalunits. The popular packs sent to renal units include dialysis information, dietary information, pre-transplant and post-transplant information, benefits, and exercise information. The Helpline have also distributedover1,000kidneypatientcardsfordialysisandtransplantpatients. The Helpline also has 5 new information leaflets available - displayed above.
PeerSupportServiceUpdate
The NKF Peer Support Service so far in 2025 has givensupportto60patients who have needed support, and the support given ranges from home dialysis, transplants, newly diagnosed, and support for patients on in-centre dialysis. The service has grown a lot this year so far with referrals coming in from patients, carers, and the renal hospitals.
To view the list of Helpline leaflets and information packs available online visit: www.kidney.org.uk/helpline-leaflets
UK Kidney Week
Andrea Brown, NKF Chief Executive and Pete Revell, Head of Marketing and Fundraising recently visited Bournemouth for UK Kidney Week. For three days the NKF were on hand to showcase all of our Helpline leaflets to renal healthcare professionals as well as launching the new manifesto, Increasing Home Dialysis in England for the Benefit of Patients and the NHS.
Best Foot Forward Challenge
From all walks of life, participants have entered our annual sponsored walking challenge that took place in June this year. This year we asked participants to walk 70,951 steps. This number of steps represents the total number of people in the UK with a kidney transplant or on dialysis.*
We’ve been so inspired by the photos and stories sent in by those taking part in the challenge and the way they’ve brought the challenge to life across social media.
Thanks to our fundraisers we have already raised over an incredible £19,000!
*Please note - This figure is sourced from 'UK Renal Registry 26th Annual Report - data to 31/12/2022'.
Please note this figure will be updated later in 2025.
Whatiscomingupin thenext6months?
Early Detection & GP Practices
In the second half of this year, our focus is on the early detection of kidney disease. We are actively engaging with GPs and primary care teams to offer support through a range of services, including our free-to-call Helpline, information leaflets, and our Peer Support Service, which connects patients and carers with trained volunteers who have lived experience of kidney disease.
In addition, we have partnered with the Primary Care Cardiovascular Society (PCCS) to raise awareness of earlystage Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and the importance of prevention. Together, we aim to improve early identification, provide timely support, and empower both patients and healthcare professionals to take proactive steps in managing kidney health.
Helpline
The NKF Helpline will continue to develop it’s information library, adding new titles which will give kidney patients further support to understand and manage their diagnosis. The Helpline will also continue to develop and promote the Peer Support Service, which offers vital support for new and current kidney patients.
The promotion and distribution of the Helpline’s kidney patient information resources will continue by targeting kidney patients, carers, renal units, and dialysis units across the UK. The NKF Helpline will also continue to promote early detection with CKD resources to the ICBs and GPs.
British Transplant Games
We will be attending the final day of the British Transplant Games this year on Sunday 3 August with lots of free goodies to take away! We love meeting so many of you who attend the Games, those who have benefitted from our free to call Helpline services and to introduce ourselves to new friends whilst sharing information about our Helpline.
Organ Donation Week
From 22 - 28 September 2025, we will share numerous incredible and inspiring kidney transplant stories to emphasise the importance of organ donation and transplantation for Organ Donation Week.
If you would like to send in your story to celebrate and raise awareness for Organ Donation Week please email your story to nkf@kidney.org.uk.
To read our stories, visit the NKF website: www.kidney.org.uk/Blogs/your-stories
Attend Our NKF Annual Event
NKF Members Save 10% on Day Delegate Rate
The National Kidney Federation (NKF) warmly invites you to our Annual Event, taking place 11 - 12 October at the Hilton Hotel, East Midlands Airport, DE74 2YZ, everyone is welcome.
This special annual gathering is designed for anyone affected by kidney disease – including patients, family members, carers, healthcare professionals, and anyone with an interest in kidney health. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with kidney issues for years, this event is a chance to:
Hear from expert speakers on the latest in kidney care and research
Connect with others who share similar experiences
Learn about support services and resources available to you
Explore our exhibition hall, featuring organisations and innovations in kidney health, including our very own NKF Helpline who will be there with information leaflets and packs
Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy free tea, coffee, and a buffet lunch, all in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
If you’ve never been before, this is the perfect opportunity to learn, share, and feel part of a supportive community, plus NKF members can save 10% off their day delegate ticket!
The day delegate rate is £55 per person - call the NKF office and state your NKF membership number on 01909 544 999 for your discounted rate.
For more information on the event programme and for booking accomodation details, please visit our website: www.kidney.org.uk/Event/nkf-annual-event-2025
Save 10% As An NKF Member on Christmas Cards
We're spreading a little extra cheer just for our members! Enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on our beautiful range of Christmas cards.
Whether you're sending warm wishes to loved ones near or far, our cards are the perfect way to share the joy of the season.
All of our Christmas cards are printed on high-quality materials, ensuring each card feels as special as the message inside. Each pack includes 10 cards and matching envelopes, making it easy to send thoughtful greetings to everyone on your list.
Every card comes pre-printed with an inside message "With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year."
All of our cards are 100% recyclable and biodegradable, helping you celebrate sustainably without compromising on quality or style.
Shop now while enjoying your members-only savings! Member discount is only available on online orders.
Visit our online shop: www.kidney.org.uk/pages/shop/department/christmas member0725 and enter your member discount code:
Howyourdonationhelps
Storiesfrompeoplejustlike you
Inthisspace,you'llfindreal-lifestoriesfrompeoplewhohavebeenaffectedbykidney disease—patients,donors,familymembers,andcarers.Bysharingthesepersonalstories, weaimtoraiseawareness,buildunderstanding,andinspireothersgoingthroughsimilar experiences.Whetheryou'reatthestartofyourjourneyorsupportingsomeoneyoulove, thesevoicesareheretoremindyouthatyouarenotalone.
