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Accessing the right support

The first thing you need to find out when diagnosed with a serious kidney condition is whether you can get Government help.

The Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) has dedicated experts that can do all the hard work for you - as well as represent you in benefits disputes.

If you want to research benefits available click here for a simple low down.

Childcare

Parents should ask themselves if they are entitled to the following before forking out on any childcare;

1. Am I entitled to childcare vouchers from mine or my partner’s employer? Even on sick leave you could still be entitled to this company benefit.
2. Am I eligible to Tax Credits that will pay towards your childcare costs based on your monthly salary or weekly pay?
3. As a Welsh resident am I entitled to free help from your local authority under the Cymorth fund, such as Flying Start ?

If money is tight then Home-Start, a UK based charity with a Welsh branch can help in several ways – including financial help for childcare. Call them free on 0800 068 63 68.

Child carers

You have to consider if older children might have to care for you in some way. You should contact your local authority to find out what help you and your child are entitled to. By law, Wales’ 22 local authorities must plan social services for people in their area and make arrangements for its delivery. They also must provide support for those who take on a caring role for others - including young carers.

Funky Dragon or The Children's Commissioner for Wales can help advise young people of their carers’ rights and the support available.

If you have a complaint over specific services you should contact The Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales by calling 01443 84 84 50.

Befriending services

The Welsh Kidney Patients' Association now has volunteers – mostly post- transplant patients - based on Renal Units at both University Hospital Wales in Cardiff and Morriston Hospital, Swansea. The volunteers answer patients’ questions or simply lend a sympathetic ear.