THE POWER OF COMMUNITY VOICE: FORMATION AND FLOURISHING OF THE WELLINGTON KIDNEY SUPPORT GROUP (WELLKISS)

Dr Deborah Wilson¹, ATHENA  RICHMOND², TRACY TRUBSHOE-ODEN³

¹AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, ²CAPITAL AND COAST DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD (CCHB), WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND, ³WELLINGTON KIDNEY SUPPORT SOCIETY , WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

Biography:

Athena Richmond qualified as a social worker and in Adult Education in South Africa. She has been based at the hospital in Wellington for the past 8 years. She has worked in many different contexts in South Africa and the UK for NGO’s, in private practice and City councils. Working in a team using creative methods and operating from a strengths-based perspective is work she finds inspiring.

Abstract:

Introduction/Background

In 2018 renal social worker Athena Richmond identified that there was no support in the community for renal patients. Anecdotal data showed patients struggling on their own, isolated from family, culture, faith. Even patients admitted with pain, were just lonely. Further young men struggling with diagnosis were dying within a few years of starting dialysis.

Case Description

With evidence pointing to the importance of peer support a project proposal was developed with multidisciplinary renal hospital, community and cultural members. Peer support works because patients are able to give each other something the clinician does not have – shared life experience. The result was the foundation of the Wellington Kidney Support Society (WellKiss) with the stated purpose of “improving the quality of life for individuals affected by kidney disease in the Wellington Region through comprehensive support, education and advocacy”.

Discussion

Despite COVID the first workshop was held November 2021. Since then membership has been increasing with workshops/meet ups happening every 3 months. WellKiss has also become a registered charity with a constitution and AGM. Participants of WellKiss describe it as a safe foundation, anchor and safety net. As one member said ‘These are my people, my team”.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates that by creating a safe space for patients to have a voice and support each other, and providing purposeful activities to help individuals to develop skills a community of active, engaged, empowered individuals has emerged. This successful model could be replicated in other centres.