Patient Support & Advocacy Service

Our Patient Support & Advocacy Officers can help you navigate the complexities of kidney disease and work towards improving your quality of life. If you need our help, we're just a message or call away.

Meet our Patient Support & Advocacy Officers

Our Patient Support & Advocacy Officers are here to support you throughout your journey with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our dedicated team will help you receive the care and support you need to live the life you deserve.

We are trained to listen and advise patients, and also to fight their corner. We are not just knowledgeable; we are your understanding support team in kidney care.

How we can help you

At Kidney Care UK, we understand the challenges you face.

While we can't give medical advice, we can help with all your questions about the everyday challenges posed by chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Our approach is simple: we listen, work in partnership with you, and empower you to achieve your goals. Your needs will always be at the centre of the support you receive.

  • We'll make sure you have access to accurate and reliable information, presented in a way that makes sense to you.
  • We'll help you connect with professionals who offer specialist support, ensuring they understand your worries or concerns.
  • If you face challenges with the care you're receiving, we're here to ensure your voice is heard. Our team often act as a bridge between patients and renal units, local authorities, the Department for Work & Pensions and local MPs.
I am so glad I picked up the phone that day. I had been a bit reckless with my medicine and my diet because I felt so helpless, but with my Patient Support & Advocacy Officer's help I was able to find my way.

Where and when we can support you

Our Patient Support & Advocacy team work across the UK.

We are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

  • on the phone
  • via video calls
  • in person in community settings.

Understand more about working with our Patient Support & Advocacy team.

Your support with us starts with a conversation

Each of our Patient Support & Advocacy Officers is responsible for a region of the UK:

  • Matt Bassett Head of Advocacy
  • Claire Joyce Patient Support & Advocacy Manager
  • Claire Maddison Patient Support & Advocacy Manager
  • Jonathan Bartley London
  • Ellen Hill London
  • Ellie Winch South East
  • Jayne Reeves South Central
  • Trish Moroney South West
  • Giulietta Whitmore West Midlands
  • Sandy Lines East Midlands and East of England
  • Adele Brown North East
  • Maxie Cobern-Burke East of Scotland
  • Liz Docherty West of Scotland
  • Karolina Holewińska-Suchanek Yorkshire and Humberside
  • Kenna Mannix North West
  • Helen Richards North West
  • Barbara Wilson Northern Ireland
  • Linzi Isaac Wales

Get in touch with the Kidney Care UK head office team, who will refer you to the Patient Support & Advocacy Officer in your region.

More support from Kidney Care UK

  • Counselling and support service

    Living with a long-term illness such as chronic kidney disease can turn anyone's world upside down. You’re not alone. Our Counselling Service offers FREE help and emotional support to kidney patients and their families.

  • Kidney Care UK online community

    At Kidney Care UK, we believe no one should have to face kidney disease alone. To connect with other people affected by CKD in the UK, join our friendly, supportive online community on Facebook.

  • Young Adult Kidney Group (YAKG)

    Started in 2016 as a way for young people with kidney disease to come together, the Young Adult Kidney Group has grown into a safe place for young patients to support one another online.