National Lottery Funding Boosts PKD Support in Scotland
We are delighted to announce that PKD Charity has been awarded funding from The National Lottery Awards for All Scotland for our brand new PKD Scotland: Outreach and Community Connections Project.
This 18-month project, running from March 2026 to September 2027, will allow us to significantly expand the practical and emotional support we offer to people affected by Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) across Scotland. This funding is an important milestone for the Charity and a vital step forward in ensuring that PKD families can access information, support and connection earlier, and throughout the course of the condition.
PKD is one of the most common inherited kidney conditions and a leading cause of kidney failure. Over 5,000 people could be affected by PKD in Scotland, yet the condition remains poorly understood and has historically been underfunded.
Reaching People Earlier and Reducing Isolation
Through our surveys, helpline, events and social media, we regularly hear that many people affected by PKD feel isolated. Many have never met anyone else with the condition and often leave clinic appointments with limited support beyond medical care. This can be especially difficult at diagnosis, when people and their families may feel most uncertain and vulnerable.
Too often, people only reach PKD Charity years after diagnosis, usually when symptoms worsen.
We know that connecting with people earlier can make a real difference, helping them feel better informed, supported and less alone from the very start.
Elaine, who has lived with PKD for decades, shared her experience:
“Diagnosed as a teenager, I’ve often felt a lack of support. I wish I’d known about the PKD Charity earlier. What is truly needed is local, face to face peer support, somewhere people can meet, talk and feel understood by others who know what it’s like to live with this condition.”
This funding allows us to directly address this gap and ensure help is available earlier and throughout every stage of the disease.
Building Stronger Support for PKD Families in Scotland
Thanks to The National Lottery funding, we've recruited a Scotland-based Engagement Officer, Diane, who will work closely with renal units across the country. Diane's role will be to ensure people are signposted to accurate information and support as early as possible after diagnosis, and beyond.
We will also grow our volunteer-led support groups in areas where demand is highest and pilot a new network of PKD Charity Ambassadors. These trained volunteers, all with lived experience of PKD, will expand our network and help us to reach and support more people at an earlier stage following diagnosis
Bringing people together reduces isolation, builds confidence and creates supportive spaces where experiences can be shared openly.
The project launches with our Glasgow Information and Support Day in March 2026, where patients and family members will have the opportunity to hear from medical experts, ask questions and meet others living with the condition.
 |
Dr Zoe Cousland, Consultant Nephrologist and host of our Glasgow Information day, said: It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to bring this event back to Scotland, with a programme that will address both the medical aspects of PKD and the everyday lifestyle concerns of those living with the condition.” |
We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and to everyone who plays the Lottery for making this vital work possible.
If you would like to speak to us about what support we can offer you or a loved one, please visit PKD Support or contact us today and speak to a member of our team.
Fundraising, Grants awarded, PKD, latest news
- Hits: 2975