Peer Support—You’re Not Alone

Peer Support—You’re Not Alone

Avoid the feeling of isolation, talk to someone who understands.

The COVID-19 pandemic requires many of us to go without our usual social interactions, leading to increased feelings of isolation and anxiety. Whether you are recently diagnosed, on dialysis, working toward a transplant, or are a donor or loved one, at Kidney Connect Peer Support you’ll find others who share a similar experience.

The Kidney Foundation’s Peer Support program is delivered in several different ways. Support is offered one-on-one by phone with trained volunteers. Our volunteers come from all walks of life; some are on hemodialysis, some peritoneal dialysis, some are transplanted. They have different cultural backgrounds and all have their own unique journey with kidney disease.

Group support meetings, offered monthly by phone or video chat, are traditionally organized by hospital programs, but you are welcome to join the meeting that best fits your schedule. There are no geographic boundaries; everyone is welcome.

For those who prefer to connect online, KidneyConnect.ca provides a safe space to talk to others online. Volunteer moderators help to make sure the site is a welcoming place for members to share their experiences and questions. A variety of groups offer opportunities for youth and young adults to connect.

These past extraordinary months have underscored the need to provide peer support in meaningful ways that meet the needs of Canadians affected by kidney disease no matter where they are in their journey. We are here to support you, now, more than ever.

Call or email our Programs team for information about group meeting registration or to arrange a peer support connection: 1.866-390-7337 or email ontario.programs@kidney.ca. 

You’re not alone.

Speak to a peer support volunteer who understands what it’s like to live with kidney disease.

We’ve been there too.

kidney.ca | 1 866 390 7337

Ontario Branch 1599 Hurontario St., Ste. 201

Mississauga, ON L5G 4S1 1-800-387-4474 • 905-278-3003 ontario@kidney.ca

African-Caribbean Kidney Association 1-800-387-4474 president@acka.ca 1-800-387-4474 Brant County 1-800-387-4474 brant.president@kidney.ca Central Ontario 1-800-387-4474/905-278-3003 daniela.piotrowski@kidney.ca

Chinese Renal Association 1-800-387-4474 ext. 4977 shukyu.fong@kidney.ca Durham Region 1-800-387-4474 Eastern Ontario 613-724-9953/1-800-724-9953 melissa.forster@kidney.ca Hamilton & District 1-800-387-4474 ext. 4969 julie.bertoia@kidney.ca Kingston 613-542-2121 katie.kyte@kidney.ca London & District 1-800-387-4474 ext.4860 rizwana.ramzanali@kidney.ca Niagara & District 1-800-387-4474 ext. 4969 julie.bertoia@kidney.ca North Bay 1-800-387-4474 Northern Superior 807-624-2680 ontario@kidney.ca Sarnia-Lambton 519-344-3462 elaine.hayter@kidney.ca Sault Ste. Marie 705-949-0400 tannis.mcmillan@kidney.ca Timmins-Porcupine 705-365-7492 timmins.president@kidney.ca Waterloo – Wellington & District 1-800-387-4474 ext. 4966 tracey.babineau@kidney.ca Windsor & District 519-977-9211 erika.muscat@kidney.ca