03 Nov Wellbeing webinars: honest conversations about life with kidney disease and transplant
WTGF’s free wellbeing webinars, supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, create a safe space for recipients, families, donors and professionals to talk honestly about the emotional side of the transplant journey. This autumn we hosted two sessions.
Softening the Suffering: Wellbeing in the Transplant Journey
On Thursday 8 October we were joined by Dr Mel Phillips – Doctor of Nursing, Transplant Coordinator at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Honorary Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh and Wellbeing Practitioner.
Mel explored the patient journey from before transplant to life beyond it, the emotional landscape that comes with it, and practical tools for coping, connection and compassion – for patients, families and health professionals alike.
Missed it? The full webinar is now available to watch on our YouTube channel.
When You’re Told Your Kidneys Are Failing
On Thursday 29 October, George Angeli shared his own lived experience of kidney disease, dialysis and two kidney transplants, in a session focused on coping with the emotional impact and what comes next.
George is a qualified Level 6 Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and a member of UKATA. He founded Richmond Barbers in 2000 and the “50 by Richmond Barbers” initiative, and has been recognised at the Richmond Council Community Heroes Awards.
The session explored the feelings that can arise when kidney function declines, how kidney disease can affect identity, relationships and hopes for the future, and why emotional support matters. It was a lived-experience conversation, not a medical information session.
Recordings will be shared on our YouTube channel.
Thank you
Thank you to Mel, George and everyone who joined us live and asked questions. These sessions are part of our Men’s and Women’s Wellness programmes, made possible thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund.
More sessions coming soon – watch this space.