A Swansea-based kidney charity is working with the Senedd to form a kidney cross-party group.
Popham Kidney Support, originally founded as ‘The Paul Popham Fund, Renal Support Wales,’ provides vital assistance and raises awareness for individuals facing kidney-related challenges, such as kidney disease. Established in memory of the late Paul Popham, the charity is committed to supporting patients and their loved ones every step of their journey, ensuring they never feel alone.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Popham Kidney Support collaborated with the Welsh Kidney Network and various charities to disseminate essential Covid-19 guidelines and services. These efforts were crucial in ensuring the safety and support of the kidney community in Wales. Working closely with the Senedd, the group played a vital role in advocating for the health and well-being of kidney patients during this challenging time.
Post-pandemic, Popham Kidney Support has identified the need to maintain ongoing dialogue with the Senedd to ensure continued awareness of the services available, address the needs of the community, and work towards fulfilling any unmet requirements.
With Mike Hedges, MS for Swansea East, as Chair and Joanne Popham as Secretariat, the newly formed cross-party group is dedicated to working closely with its members and the Senedd to guarantee easy access to services for all kidney patients and to develop new services that address the evolving needs of the community.
Joanne Popham said:
“We are excited about the potential this ongoing collaboration can offer. Our primary focus is to ensure that every kidney patient in Wales has access to the services they need and that their voices are heard at the highest levels of government, to ensure they have the best quality of life possible.”
