The YAKG is a closed Facebook peer support group for kidney patients between 16 and 30.
Since its inception, our group has blossomed into an amazing and diverse community of over 800 young kidney patients worldwide.
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
Alongside our amazing Facebook group, the YAKG has developed into so much more over the years.
Our annual YAKG residential weekend takes place at Mount Cook Adventure Centre and 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.
YAKG: find us online
- Facebook group: Young Adult Kidney Group
- X (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.
Young Adult Kidney Group: your questions answered
Who can join the YAKG?
Young Adult Kidney Group is a closed Facebook support group open to all young adult kidney patients between 16 and 30. 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. You can participate in discussions if you like, or you can simply drop by and have a read if you ever need a reminder that you’re not alone in what you might be dealing with.
Who are the admins and how is the group moderated?
The current YAKG administrators are a small group of members in their early 30s. They are all long-term patients themselves and have taken responsibility for maintaining the group as a supportive, encouraging, patient-led community. The group has a set of House Rules to which all potential members must agree before they are approved. In the event of a safeguarding incident or an emergency, or if a member requires help beyond what we can directly provide, group members would receive help and support from Kidney Care UK.
I'm a parent, caregiver or family member of a patient. Can I join?
The reason the YAKG is for kidney patients only is to allow our members to have a completely safe space in which to discuss their worries, fears, and feelings about life with kidney disease. We know that as wonderfully supportive as family members can be, there’s nothing like being able to chat privately with other people who understand your experiences. The only exception to our “patients only” rule is parents or family members who join to support a young adult whose learning or communication needs mean they would be unable to access our support without assistance.
Where can carers, family and friends of kidney patients receive support?
In terms of support for friends and family members, we recommend the Kidney Care UK support group. This is a very large, knowledgeable, and supportive community and an excellent resource for both patients and their loved ones.