Primary Care
About the project
Popham Kidney Support has secured funding from Awards for All to deliver a 12-month pilot project bringing peer support for people affected by Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) into primary care across Swansea.
The project aims to complement clinical care by providing people with the emotional, practical and social support that can make living with CKD easier. Connecting with trained Peer Mentors and others with lived experience can help reduce isolation, build confidence and support self-management.
Working alongside GP practices, we will:
- Provide awareness sessions for practice staff about CKD peer support and how to refer or signpost patients.
- Deliver patient information sessions exploring the emotional and practical impact of CKD and the benefits of peer support.
- Recruit and train volunteer Peer Mentors to provide support informed by lived experience.
- Connect patients with Kidney Cafés and wider community support.
- Work with primary care teams to develop a sustainable model that could be expanded across Wales.
The pilot aligns with the Welsh Kidney Network’s CKD Quality Improvement Programme and will help us explore how peer support can become a more accessible part of CKD care.
Are you a GP practice or primary care team in Swansea?
We’d love to work with you. To find out more or get involved, please get in touch with Popham Kidney Support.
- Email: support@pophamkidneysupport.org.uk
- Call: 03332001285
Patient information
Finding out you have kidney disease can bring lots of questions. We’ve put together some trusted resources to help you learn more about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), healthy living and managing your kidney health.
Kidney Care UK – Patient Information
Kidney Care UK provides a range of free, easy-to-understand information booklets about kidney disease and living well with CKD.
We particularly recommend:
- Chronic Kidney Disease – Easy Read – a simple introduction to CKD.
- Healthy Eating and Lifestyle for Your Kidneys – information about looking after your health and making healthy lifestyle choices.
NHS – The Eatwell Guide
The NHS Eatwell Guide provides general information about healthy eating and balanced nutrition. This may be useful for people with early-stage CKD.
Everyone’s dietary needs can be different when living with kidney disease. If you have been advised to follow a specific diet, speak to your healthcare team or a renal dietitian.
Welsh Kidney Network – Patient & Carer Resources
Patients & Carers – Welsh Kidney Network
The Welsh Kidney Network provides information and resources for people living with kidney disease and their families.
You can also find patient animation videos from Swansea Bay University Health Board, covering different aspects of kidney disease and care.
💚 Need more support?
Information is helpful, but you don’t have to navigate kidney disease alone. Popham Kidney Support offers peer support and opportunities to connect with others who understand what living with kidney disease can be like.
- Email: support@pophamkidneysupport.org.uk
- Call: 03332001285
Self referral form
Professionals information
We’ve brought together a selection of trusted resources to support GPs, primary care staff and other healthcare professionals in understanding and managing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in primary care.
UK Kidney Association – Education Hub
The UK Kidney Association Education Hub offers three e-learning modules specifically designed for a primary care audience, providing practical education on CKD and its management.
Community Health Pathways – Swansea Bay
Community Health Pathways Swansea Bay
Access All-Wales guidance on the management of CKD in primary care, including information on assessment, management and secondary care referral criteria and pathways.
Primary Care Information Portal
Primary Care Information Portal
The Primary Care Information Portal provides information relating to the General Medical Services (GMS) CKD Quality Improvement Programme (QIP), including specifications and All-Wales data collection.
Login is required to access this resource.
Kidney Care UK – Resources for Healthcare Professionals
Kidney Care UK – Health Professionals
Kidney Care UK provides information and resources to support healthcare professionals caring for people affected by kidney disease, including clinical information, patient resources and guidance.
Need more help?
- Email: support@pophamkidneysupport.org.uk
- Call: 03332001285
Referral form
Case Studies
Gower Surgeries
What we did:
We worked with the practice team to introduce Popham Kidney Support and raise awareness of the support available to people living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
We delivered a staff awareness session, covering:
- What peer support is and how it can complement clinical care
- Who may benefit from peer support
- How practice staff can refer or signpost patients
- The wider support available through Popham Kidney Support
We delivered a Patient awareness session, covering:
- Who we are and what we do as a charity
- Living with CKD
- The emotional and practical impact of kidney disease
- Peer support and the benefits of connecting with others
- Local Kidney Cafés and community support
- The wider support available through Popham Kidney Support
Patients were also able to ask questions and speak directly with members of the Popham Kidney Support team.
We also provided patient information and promotional materials for the practice to share with patients.
The result:
The session gave staff a better understanding of the non-clinical support available to people with CKD and created a clear pathway for patients to access Popham Kidney Support.
St Thomas and West Cross Surgeries
What we did:
We hosted one-to-one support sessions at the practice, giving patients the opportunity to have a private, informal conversation with a Popham Peer Mentor who has their own experience of kidney disease.
For people who have recently been diagnosed, speaking to someone who understands what they are going through can provide reassurance and make the initial uncertainty of a diagnosis feel more manageable.
During the sessions, patients could talk openly about their experiences and ask questions about:
- Living with CKD
- The emotional and practical impact of a diagnosis
- Coping with changes and uncertainty
- The benefits of connecting with others through peer support
The sessions were patient-led, providing a safe space to talk, ask questions and find out about support beyond their clinical care.
The result:
Patients had a dedicated opportunity to talk openly with someone who understood their experience, helping them feel reassured, less isolated and better informed about the support available.
Useful contacts
Whether you have a question, would like some support, or want to find out more about Popham Kidney Support, we’re here to help.
💚 Contact Us
Popham Kidney Support
📧 Email: support@pophamkidneysupport.org.uk
📞 Phone: 03332001285
Our team is available to provide information, support and guidance to people affected by kidney disease, as well as families, carers and professionals.
If you’re not sure who to contact, get in touch and we’ll make sure your enquiry reaches the right person.
Referrals
Would you like to refer someone to Popham Kidney Support?
We accept referrals from healthcare professionals, community organisations, families and individuals.
Patient Support Form
For referring a person affected by kidney disease to our support services.
Professional Referral Form
For healthcare and other professionals wishing to refer a patient or client.
