Mark Davies, Trustee, The Hospital Saturday Fund, presented a grant of £9,775 to Lynn Orton, Chair, Joanne Popham, CEO, Volunteers, and Trustees at Popham Kidney Support to support the Transition Youth Programme.
About Popham Kidney Support
Popham Kidney Support is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of children, young adults, and families affected by kidney disease in Wales. Through specialised programmes, advocacy, and close collaboration with healthcare professionals, the charity provides educational, emotional, and social support to empower patients from diagnosis through transition to adult care. Committed to building a compassionate community, Popham Kidney Support aims to equip individuals with the tools they need for a healthier, brighter future.
Transitional Youth Project
The Transitional Youth Project was developed following the establishment of a working group in early 2021, consisting of mentors and young adults with kidney disease, to assess the potential benefits of an educational initiative. This collaboration led to the creation of an eight-module draft programme, which was trialled over three sessions in Southeast and West Wales in 2023.
The modules cover essential topics such as future planning, well-being, managing kidney disease, healthy relationships, treatment options, nutrition, dialysis, and transplant options, with each session concluding in a social event for balance. Positive feedback from pilot sessions has prepared Popham Kidney Support to introduce the programme to a wider audience.
Chronic Kidney Disease
In South Wales, over 850 children and young adults are treated for chronic kidney disease, receiving support from the Children’s Kidney Centre until age 18. Upon reaching adulthood, more than half transition to adult services, with around 30% making this shift each year. To support this critical transition, the Transition Youth Programme, approved by the Children’s Kidney Centre, will provide targeted assistance as part of their treatment pathway over the next 12 to 18 months.
The Grant
The Hospital Saturday Fund awarded a grant of £9,775 to Popham Kidney Support. The grant will go towards the Transition Youth Programme, to improve emotional well-being, educational and career prospects, social skills, and confidence. This support will play a vital role in helping young adults with chronic kidney disease as they transition from paediatric to adult services.
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