Being diagnosed with kidney disease, or starting treatments like dialysis or a transplant, can be life-changing. It can affect both your physical health and how you feel emotionally.
Many people experience:
- Anxiety or worry
- Low mood or depression
- Fear about the future
- Feelings of loss or uncertainty
- Changes that affect relationships, daily life, and overall wellbeing
How we can help
Our renal psychology service offers caring, evidence-based support to help you manage the emotional impact of kidney disease.
We can support you with:
- Anxiety, depression, stress, or trauma
- Adjusting to treatment and lifestyle changes
- Managing pain and fatigue
- Concerns about body image or self-esteem
- Relationships and social support
- Planning and support for end-of-life or palliative care
We understand that everyone’s experience of kidney disease is different. We will work with you to provide personalised support to help improve your wellbeing and quality of life.
Organisations that can help
Kidney Care UK
Kidney Care UK is the UK’s leading charity supporting people with kidney disease. They provide advice, practical support, and financial help to thousands of patients and their families each year.
National Kidney Federation
The National Kidney Federation is the UK’s largest kidney charity. It is run by kidney patients, for kidney patients.
The NKF offers a free helpline for patients, families, kidney units, and healthcare professionals. The helpline is staffed by trained and experienced advisers.
- Free Helpline: 0800 169 09 36
- Web: National Kidney Foundation
Opening times:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Friday: 8:30am – 12:30pm
Kidney Education Foundation
The Kidney Education Foundation works to raise awareness about kidney health and prevent kidney disease.
They provide easy-to-understand information through books and websites in different languages. Their resources are free to read, download, and print. Patients and families can find clear guidance on a wide range of kidney conditions all in one place.
PKD Charity
The PKD Charity was set up in 2000 and is the only UK charity focused specifically on polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Around 70,000 people in the UK are affected by this condition.
The charity provides trusted information, advice, and personalised support. They also work to raise awareness of the impact of PKD.
- Helpline: 0300 111 1234
- Web: PKD Charity
Northern Trust Renal Services
Read about Renal Services in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.
Renal Patient Support Group
The Renal Patient Support Group meets every few months, or more often if needed.
It is currently organised by clinical staff and gives patients a chance to:
- Learn more about treatment options
- Share feedback about the care they receive
- Talk about local kidney services within the Northern Trust
The goal is for the group to become patient-led in the future, with staff support available when needed.
We also run a walking group and an art group. These offer a chance to stay active, be creative, and meet others who are living with similar conditions.