Grief, loneliness and suicidal thoughts are just some of the symptoms people report when they apply for our free, one-to-one listening support service.
Our research has shown that young adults and adolescents (AYA) under the age of 25 typically have the poorest disease outcomes, with a noticeable lack of access to mental health support.
As the only charity in the UK to support people with all types of autoimmune disease, we will widen our reach to ensure young people struggling to cope don’t have to face their diagnosis alone.
We regularly speak to people in crisis. Individuals who are in pain and that their lives have changed beyond recognition, as a result of their autoimmune disease.
Thanks to our unique service, where individuals can apply for free, remote, one-to-one listening support with a trained volunteer, they are given the space to share how they are feeling openly and confidentially.
Our 2024 impact report showed that 100% of people who had received listening support from the Wren Project felt better. All felt more hope for the future, more connected with loved ones and more resilient. A further 95% said they would recommend us to others.
We recognise the need to extend our reach to encompass more adolescents and young adults (AYA) under 25 years old, who are suffering in silence. Our own research has shown that, within this group, our impact to date was particularly significant among this age group, who reported the highest improvements in their mental health following listening sessions.
From 2024-2025, the Pixel Fund will enable us to offer 30 young adults our specialised support, in a pilot over a 12-month period.
In collaboration with our partner charities and the NHS clinics we work with, we will trial an adapted approach to support more young people to feel optimistic for their future.
During the pilot, 30 AYA will receive support - defined as at least one listening support session. We will monitor their wellbeing before, during and after our support has been received. If successful we will aim to roll out this specialised support in all autoimmune clinics across the UK.
Speaking about the pilot, Kate Middleton, CEO of the Wren Project, said: “Receiving a diagnosis of autoimmune disease is devastating for anyone. As a young person, it can be life-changing, as they grapple with management of their condition, drastic lifestyle changes and fears for the future.
“We as an organisation want to be there for young people when they need us most. To ensure they too can feel hope for the future.”
The Wren Project offers free, one-to-one listening support to people living with autoimmune diseases throughout the UK. To find out more about our support, or to enquire about volunteering, please head to: www.wrenproject.org