The YAKG is as a closed Facebook peer support group for kidney patients between 18 and 30.
Since its inception, our group has blossomed into an amazing and diverse community of over 800 young kidney patients worldwide and we have been a part of Kidney Care UK since April 2022. However, we are still entirely patient-led, as this is what makes the group so unique, and so successful!
YAKG residential weekend at Mount Cook Adventure Centre
Alongside our amazing Facebook group, the YAKG has developed into so much more over the years.
Our annual YAKG residential weekend, taking place at Mount Cook Adventure Centre, provides an opportunity for YAKG members to spend time in person with other people who really know what it’s like to live with kidney disease as a young adult. For many of our members, this residential might be the first time they’ve ever met someone else their own age with CKD, or had the opportunity to talk about dialysis, a transplant, or other treatment in an environment where people are comfortable being very open. Alongside being a social event, the weekend is also a chance for participants to challenge themselves physically by taking part in activities they might not have tried before, and maybe even rethink the way they view themselves as people, as opposed to just patients.
Peer support programme for young adults living with kidney disease
The YAKG also provides a dedicated peer support programme led by nine trained peer supporters. In the event of a serious incident or an emergency, or if a member requires help beyond what we can directly provide, the peer support team would signpost the patient to appropriate further support, often in the form of a Kidney Care UK regional Patient Support and Advocacy Officer or renal counsellor.
How to join YAKG
If you’re a young adult with kidney disease, we’d love to have you come and join our group. It doesn’t matter what stage you’re at or what sort of treatment you’re undergoing, you’re welcome to come and be part of our community.
If you’re a young adult and you wish to join the YAKG, simply request to join the Facebook group.
Join Young Adult Kidney Group on Facebook
YAKG: find us online
- Facebook group: Young Adult Kidney Group
- Twitter: @YAKidneyGroup
- Instagram: @YAKidneyGroup
If you are a parent, healthcare provider or someone else interested in learning more about the Young Adult Kidney Group, please email YAKG Team Leader Holly.