For World Kidney Day 2022, we are working as part of the Kidney Charities Together Group - alongside Kidney Research UK, the National Kidney Federation (NKF), the UK Kidney Association (UKKA), Kidney Wales and the PKD Charity - to raise awareness of kidney disease.
Despite kidney disease affecting 1 in 10 people worldwide, there is still not enough awareness about the condition. Sadly, many people don’t realise how important their kidneys are until they stop working properly. If you’re not affected by kidney disease, it is still really important that you know about kidney health and how to look after your kidneys.
Get talking about kidney disease
One of the best things you can do this World Kidney Day is get talking about kidney disease. Share resources and stories with friends, family and colleagues, or take part in The BIG Picture and post your big yellow kidney image on social media using #WorldKidneyDay and by tagging @WorldKidneyDayUK.
You could even hold your own event, such as a sponsored run or a coffee morning. If you are doing anything for World Kidney Day, let us know! Help put kidney disease on the agenda and get everyone talking about the importance of kidney health.
Call for better mental health services
We want our politicians to champion better mental health services for all those with kidney disease. A Kidney Care UK study of NHS kidney units showed only 5% of them employ the recommended number of psychologists. You have told us many times that these services are much needed, and we had a 61% increase in requests for our counselling services last year.
With our psychological and social care colleagues we are putting together a manifesto for action. Join us in a national campaign to make sure our politicians hear the concerns of patients, their families, friends and healthcare teams.
Support the kidney community
To celebrate World Kidney Day, we have a fantastic collection of prizes available in our online auction. Choose between culinary delights to remote retreats, handcrafted goods to unique experiences - there's something for everyone. Bid soon though, as the auction ends at 9pm on 10 March: World Kidney Day!
All donations raised through the auction help us to support kidney patients and their families through our patient grants, holiday grants, counselling service and advocacy service.
Get moving with Kidney Beam
Join Kidney Beam at 6pm on World Kidney Day for a kidney community Cardio Party on Facebook Live!
Kidney Beam is a free online platform where you can find exercise, education and wellbeing sessions created specifically for people living with kidney disease. Getting moving isn't easy for everyone, so they're here to support and encourage you to get active and improve your mental and physical wellbeing.
At the Cardio Party, you can meet the Beam Team and other members, and get a taste of Kidney Beam with a fun, all level, 30 minute class.
Donate using your mobile
We promise to provide the very best practical, financial, and emotional support to kidney patients and their families, whilst also campaigning to improve care services for everyone affected by kidney disease. With your help, we can make sure that these vital support services are available for years to come.
Text KIDNEY followed by your donation amount to 70470 to donate that amount. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting into hearing more from us.
If you would like to donate but don't wish to hear more from us, please text KIDNEYNOINFO followed by your donation amount instead.