Six Month Update
Asweheadintothefestiveseason,we’reexcitedtobringyouthesecondeditionofour NationalKidneyFederationupdate,yourspacetocatchup,connect,andcelebratethe powerofourkidneycommunity.
It’sbeenabusysixmonthsacrosstheNKF,andinthiseditionyou’llfindthelatestfromour Helpline,importantupdatesfromtheAll-PartyParliamentaryKidneyGroup,andan overviewofhowwe’vebeenworkingtosupportandchampioneveryoneaffectedbykidney disease.
Yourongoingsupportcontinuestoinspireus.Everymessage,donation,andactofkindness helpsusreachmorepatientsandfamilies,raiseawareness,andmakesureeverykidney voiceisheardloudandclear
Astheyearcomestoaclose,wehopethisupdatebringsyouwarmth,encouragement, andareminderthatyou’repartofacommunitymakingarealdifferencetogether. Wishingyouahappyfestiveperiodandabright,healthyNewYear!
AWarmWinterWelcomefromtheNKF
NKF Helpline activity in the last six months
TheNationalKidneyFederationHelplineexperiencedabusysecondhalfof2025,fromJulyto December,cateringfortheongoingneedsofindividualsaffectedbykidneydiseaseandalsoproviding therenalunitswithalltheinformationresourcestheyneed. TheHelplinehashandledaround3,200 enquiriesthisyeartodate,including1,800frompatients,500fromcarers,and220fromrenalunits.
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 handled a total of 1,500telephonecallsandrespondedto1,200emails. The Helpline has also answered 104 inquiriesvialivechat
The most frequently addressed topics by the helpline during this period have been Chronic Kidney Disease, mainly CKD stage 3, general advice on kidney conditions, dialysis and transplantation
PatientInformationLeafletorders
Since the beginning of 2025, the team have printed and distributed 36,500 patient information leaflets to around 120 renal and dialysis units across the UK, as well as to 10 kidney patient associations Over 750 patient information support packs, covering dialysis, diet, transplant, and exercise have also been distributed to renal units
The Helpline have also distributed over 2,000 kidney patient cards for dialysis and transplant patients.
A total of 13,000 leaflets have been sent to GP practices, including some hosting CKD awareness events. Several GP surgeries have requested digital copies for their websites and information screens Many patients have reported receiving GP letters or texts identifying them as CKD stage 3, which recommend contacting the Helpline for further information. NKF resources are also regularly featured in Integrated Care Board (ICB) and GP practice newsletters
PeerSupportServiceUpdate
The NKF Peer Support Service has supported 94 patients in 2025, including individuals undergoing home dialysis, in-centre dialysis, transplantation, and newly diagnosed patients A new peer supporter, experienced with IGAN, PD, and transplants, has joined the list of peer volunteers Our peer support service continues to grow and we are very proud of this service and also very privileged to have 29 great peer support volunteers on our team.
To view the list of Helpline leaflets and information packs available online visit: www.kidney.org.uk/helpline-leaflets
NKF Annual Event
The NKF’s Annual Event took place on 11 – 12 October at the Hilton Hotel near East Midlands Airport, bringing together kidney patients, families, and healthcare professionals from across the UK, for an inspiring and uplifting weekend
The event offered a fantastic opportunity for attendees to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another Across the two days, guests enjoyed a relaxed social evening and a full programme of talks led by healthcare professionals and people living with kidney conditions.
Highlightsincludedpresentationsfrom:
· Caryl Bryant, Co-Vice Chair, NKF, who shared her family’s journey supporting her son Ben through Goodpasture syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease and her perspective on ‘making the most of your new kidney’ Roger Greenwood, from the Dialysis Society, on improving outcomes for dialysis patients
· Andy and Stacey Jones, a living donor and transplant recipient, with their moving story on organ donation
· Alex Gibbs, a patient speaker, reflected on the highs and lows of dialysis as a young adult.
· Oscar Walton, kidney dietitian, offered advice on nutrition and kidney health.
Dr Lisa Willcocks and Benjamin Stokes explained the importance of regular blood and urine testing and monitoring, and managing chronic kidney disease.
· Kathryn Taylor, Social Worker at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, presented a talk on psychosocial aspects of kidney care and multi-disciplinary working
· Lisa Ancliffe, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist, explored frailty in kidney disease and strategies for prevention
· Dana Holmes and Alison Lawrence, NKF Peer Supporters, shared their journey from diagnosis through to dialysis, home treatment and life on the transplant list
Along with a bustling exhibition area including a variety of organisations and charities: Vifor Pharma, Novartis, Book Dialysis, Rapidcare, Independence Products, Lister Area Kidney Patients’ Association, Renal Social Workers, Mesogieos, Diaverum, Donate a Kidney, Davita, PKD Charity, Rotary Club & Organ Donation UK and Kidney Research UK
If you’d like to catch up on what our guest speakers shared, recordings of the talks are available on our website and YouTube channel
Watch the speaker session recordings online: www.kidney.org.uk/Event/nkf-annual-event-2025
All-Party Parliamentary Kidney Group (APPKG) Take Kidney Voices to Westminster
The All-Party Parliamentary Kidney Group (APPKG) continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that kidney disease receives the national attention it deserves Meeting in Westminster on 22 October 2025, the group brought together MPs, patients, clinicians, and charities to call for a national strategy on kidney disease
The session, chaired by Jo White MP, followed the joint open letter to the Prime Minister signed by over 13,000 supporters and delivered to 10 Downing Street earlier that day. Representatives from the National Kidney Federation (NKF), UK Kidney Association, Kidney Research UK, Kidney Care UK, and the PKD Charity united in calling for a coordinated government approach to tackle kidney disease one that recognises the seven million people across the UK currently affected.
The meeting focused on the urgent need for early detection, prevention, and equitable access to treatment, as well as the joint call for a Kidney Disease Modern Service Framework Patients shared powerful personal stories highlighting the reality of living with kidney disease Asif, a member of the NKF Executive Committee, spoke about his experience of late diagnosis and home dialysis before receiving a transplant, emphasising that “early detection doesn’t just save lives; it transforms them ” Miranda (Kidney Research UK), Zahra (PKD Charity), and Thomas (Kidney Care UK) also shared moving accounts of resilience and the importance of joined-up care.
Clinicians Dr Katie Vinen, President of the UK Kidney Association, and Professor Smeeta Sinha, National Clinical Director for Renal Medicine at NHS England, underlined the scale of the challenge. Kidney disease now affects one in ten people in the UK and could cost the economy £14 billion a year by 2033 Both speakers called for improved early testing, greater awareness, and equitable access to life-saving treatments such as dialysis and transplantation
Chair Jo White MP will continue to champion kidney health in Parliament and we will continue to build momentum through parliamentary questions and hope to secure a debate where we can bring the realities of the disease to life inside Westminster Hall. We’re also planning two major APPKG events in 2026, focusing on organ donation, transplantation and home dialysis
The meeting reflected the power of collaboration across the kidney community. By working together patients, charities, clinicians, industry and Parliament we are building momentum for meaningful change The NKF, as secretariat to the APPKG, will continue to ensure that patient voices remain at the centre of these discussions and that kidney disease is firmly placed on the national health agenda
Together,we’reshowingthatwhenthekidneycommunityspeakswithonevoice,wecanbeheardatthe veryheartofgovernment.
NKF Celebrates Record Breaking Christmas Fundraising Season
Become an NKF Member Today!
Visit our online shop: www.kidney.org.uk/shop
Save10%offasanNKFmember.Memberdiscountisonlyavailableononlineorders.
The National Kidney Federation has enjoyed a highly successful Christmas fundraising season, with strong support for both our online shop and this year’s Christmas raffle We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed, helping us to continue supporting kidney patients and their families across the UK.
Our Christmas shop has performed exceptionally well this year. We offered a wide selection of festive card designs, gifts, wrapping items and seasonal products, and many proved so popular that several designs sold out in November
Supporters told us they loved being able to purchase Christmas items while also supporting a cause close to their hearts If you purchased cards or gifts, thank you Your support makes a real difference Andifyouhaven’tyet hadachancetobrowseourshop,thereisstilltimetodosoat:www.kidney.org.uk/shop
Alongside the shop, we have also seen remarkable engagement with this year’s Christmas raffle Offering four cash prizes, including a top prize of £1,500, the raffle has attracted strong participation from supporters old and new. While informing the winners is always a highlight, the real success lies in the fantastic number of people who took part. Every raffle ticket purchased helps us to raise essential funds at a crucial time of year.
We recognise that Christmas can be an expensive and challenging time, particularly with the continued impact of the cost of living. That makes the support we have received even more meaningful. Whether you bought cards, entered the raffle, shared our online posts, or encouraged others to get involved, your involvement strengthens the impact we can have for thousands of patients and their loved ones.
As we bring this year’s festive campaign to a close, we want to say a heartfelt thank you The success we have seen would not be possible without your kindness and continued commitment to the NKF. We look forward to continuing our work in the coming year, with your support making everything we do possible
LookingAhead2026
In 2026, the NKF Helpline will enter an exciting phase of growth and development, with several key initiatives designed to further strengthen the information and support provided to kidney patients across the UK
One of the most significant developments will be the launch of the updated Patient Support Pack. This comprehensive resource has long been regarded as an invaluable tool by renal units, pre-dialysis clinics, and newly diagnosed patients. The refreshed edition will offer clearer guidance, improved educational materials, and an accessible introduction to nephrology care helping individuals better understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and the support available throughout their kidney journey Its distribution will continue nationwide, free of charge, ensuring equitable access for all who need it.
The Easy Read Information Series will also remain a major focus. These booklets, designed with simplicity and clarity in mind, are especially beneficial for patients who may struggle with standard written information In 2026, we will continue to actively promote these resources to hospitals, community healthcare teams, local Kidney Patient Associations (KPAs), and support groups to ensure patients receive information that is straightforward, inclusive, and easy to understand
The Kidney Disease Early Detection Campaign will continue to expand its reach Following successful engagement in 2025, the NKF will target Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), Health Boards, and GP practices across all four nations of the UK. Updated information packs will be circulated to pre-dialysis clinics, dialysis units, and transplant centres to support earlier identification of chronic kidney disease and encourage better management in primary care settings.
We will also place renewed emphasis on raising awareness of the National Peer Support Service This service provides vital emotional and practical support from trained volunteers who have lived experience of dialysis or transplantation In 2026, we aim to deepen engagement with hospitals, renal social workers, and Kidney Patient Associations to ensure more patients know about and can benefit from peer support at the time they need it most.
In addition, the Helpline team will continue to source, review, and introduce new patient materials to expand the Kidney Patient Information Library. This ongoing commitment ensures that both patients and healthcare professionals have access to the most up-to-date, evidence-based information covering all aspects of kidney disease, treatments, lifestyle, and wellbeing.
Finally, 2026 will be a year of team growth and development As demand for NKF services continues to rise, the staff team will welcome new faces to help us expand our capacity. This investment will enable us to support even more kidney patients and their families, ensuring every individual receives the compassionate guidance, educational resources, and practical support they deserve.
Howyourdonationhelps
Yourdonationstrulyhelptochangepeople’slives.
Allthedonationsthatwereceiveenablesustosupportkidneypatientsandtheir lovedones,campaignforimprovedcare,earlydiagnosis,andprovidetrusted information,guidanceandhope
you
Inthisspace,you'llfindreallifestoriesfrompeoplewhohavebeenaffectedbykidney disease patients,donors,familymembers,andcarers.Bysharingthesepersonalstories, weaimtoraiseawareness,buildunderstanding,andinspireothersgoingthroughsimilar experiences.Whetheryou'reatthestartofyourjourneyorsupportingsomeoneyoulove, thesevoicesareheretoremindyouthatyouarenotalone
You'll get a 10% off voucher to spend on our online shop. Plus, exclusive member discount days.
Be the first to know about upcoming sales, events, and more...
You'll receive exclusive invites to our NKF special events. Plus, exclusive discounted rates to our Annual NKF Event.
Our Helpline is a lifeline -Help us answer more calls for support.
Your knowledge is power - Help us to empower patients and be in control of their health choices.
Let’s shape futures together. Help us to raise big kidney challenges and voice real solutions in Parliament.
Together we’re stronger. Help us recognise and support local voices.
Together, we can bring hope and support to kidney patients and their families across the UK. Join now https://bit.ly/nkfmembership
