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Health education

Supporting you and your whānau to better understand your kidney condition through home support, phone support and resources.

We understand that living with kidney disease can affect many aspects of your life - from your health to your employment, and the choices you face around treatment, dialysis, or transplants.

Our Health Education team is here to walk that path with you. We’ll help you better understand your condition, explore your options, and make informed decisions that feel right for you.

How our health educators can support you

Our health education support service is here to help you feel informed, empowered, and confident in managing your kidney health. Whether you’re looking for clarity about your condition or guidance on what to do next, we're here to provide support and direction across a range of topics, including:

✓ Making sense of your blood test results and their impact on your health

✓ Learning about treatment choices, including if a kidney transplant is possible for you

✓ Helping you find other support services and community help

✓ Explaining the different people in your kidney care (renal) team and how to work with them best

✓ Supplying you with information that is easy to understand.

Is there a cost? 

There is no cost to receive support from the Kidney Society, and all of our services are free.

Do I need a referral?

Those with end-stage kidney failure can self-refer by phoning us on 09 278 1321 or emailing us at referral@kidneysociety.org.nz. Other people can also refer on your behalf for example, a GP, a member of your renal team or a family member.

The process

Our team is available to call Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and will provide you with the guidance you need whether it’s information, resources or contacts for other support organisations. Call us on 09 278 1321 or 0800 235 711

If you want to speak to someone about your kidney condition in person, our experienced and knowledgeable team can visit you in your home.

"I truly believe that his [client's] mood and beliefs have been uplifted, and he's now more able to freely talk about his condition and the steps and decisions ahead on his journey. He's been able to process the information you provided verbally (covered in the published information packs also) and refers to that visit as positive and informative. Thanks again, you do great work. I feel fortunate and grateful to have had your time..."

- Partner of a client receiving support

Need support?

We’re here to help - get in touch with our team to see how.

Toolkit and resources

There’s more we can help with – take a look at our other services!

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