three of our volunteers at an awareness day

Volunteer with us

All volunteers are welcomed into Team Kidney and we aim to provide a rewarding and positive volunteering experience.

Why volunteer for a charity?

Many people are volunteering for Kidney Research UK across the UK, gaining and developing skills and confidence whilst helping to change the lives of others.

There are many different ways in which you can get involved. Volunteering opportunities come in all shapes and sizes depending on what you want to get out of the experience. Whether you’d like to meet other people or do your own thing, we want to empower you with the right tools to make a difference.

If you have a few spare hours every month or a day each week, have skills that you can use or are looking to learn new skills, we have a number of volunteer roles suitable for all ages, abilities and interests.

Meet some of our charity volunteers

Kathryn Croker

"I love being a volunteer for Kidney Research UK. Raising awareness about kidney disease is really important to me and my family as it affects us personally. I have lived with kidney disease for over 20 years and received a kidney from my dad nine years ago.

I, along with the other community ambassadors, are able to get into the hearts of our communities across the UK and be a friendly face to educate and inform others about kidney disease and to raise awareness and funds for Kidney Research UK. "

Kathryn Croker, community ambassador

Fez Awan

"I have a few different volunteer hats with the charity as I give my time as a peer educator, research group member and as a community ambassador.

I was born with kidney failure. I have had three kidney transplants and have had to use all the different types of dialysis available. I volunteer as I want to engage with the public and make it known that kidney failure can affect anyone at any time. There is no cure and research will hopefully mean others will have the best quality of life possible.

I would not wish kidney failure on anyone; it is physically emotionally and mentally challenging and I have experienced a myriad of this. Even if just one person thinks more about their kidneys and kidney health through my volunteering it will all have been worth it. I hope that my help will mean progress is made to ease people’s suffering, and that my experiences will have helped all the kidney community."

Fez Awan, volunteer

Hilaria Asumu

"I joined Kidney Research UK as a peer educator volunteer because I wanted to help draw attention to the causes and treatment of kidney disease. I had been raising awareness about organ donation but realised that in order to eradicate kidney disease, we have to tackle it from its root cause.

I want to encourage other patients, especially from ethnic communities, to get involved with kidney disease research and volunteer to help. "

Hilaria Asumu, peer educator

Sarah Gwalchmai

"My name is Sarah and I live in mid Wales. I was shielding during the pandemic due to receiving a kidney transplant from my wonderful husband, I have been keeping myself busy gardening, making cards and getting a puppy! When I came across volunteering opportunities at Kidney Research, I never looked back!

I have met some wonderful people as a community ambassador and made new friends, whilst discussing important topics which are important to renal patients and our families. I am passionate about spreading the word about Kidney Research UK as I fully appreciate all the hard work that they do. The role is primarily virtual at the moment, but I hope to get out and speak to the public more in the future to discuss the importance of kidney health."

Sarah Gwalchmai, community ambassador

Craig Reynolds

"I volunteer as a community ambassador in memory of my mum, who sadly lost her battle against kidney disease after 15 years. When she was alive she was always being supportive of other kidney patients in our local area, including on many occasions gave talks at her dialysis unit and with patients going through the experience for the very first time.

I didn’t want Mum’s achievements to be forgotten and wanted to keep her memory going. Also I wanted to shed a light on how kidney disease can impact families, particular those closest to the patient."

Craig Reynolds, community ambassador

Our volunteering vacancies

Take a look at the volunteer roles we are currently recruiting for.

Marketing and communications insights panel

Peer educator and community kidney champion

Over 18,000 people in Peterborough are estimated to be living with kidney disease and the numbers of people needing dialysis for end stage kidney disease is growing.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who will receive training to become peer educators who will use your knowledge and understanding of your local community to spread awareness of kidney disease and the importance of kidney health checks.

Find out more

Community ambassador

We need people in the community beating the drum and making noise about kidney disease and the importance of research.

We want you to make the most of your local opportunities and be the face of Kidney Research UK in your community. We want you to encourage others to support us with their time, voice and money. The role is not limited to this role description, we want you to be inspired and creative and find your own opportunities that we can support you to achieve.

Find out more

Become a buddy

If you have donated a kidney to someone, or are close to someone else who has donated, you could help others considering donating by becoming a buddy in the UK Living Kidney Donation Buddy Support Service.

This service allows people who are still considering living kidney donation, or who have begun the process but haven’t yet donated, to speak with someone with lived experience of donating a kidney. The service offers a secure and safe place where they can chat with someone who has first hand experience of donating a kidney and understands that journey.

Visit the webpage on Becoming a Buddy from our partners at the Robert Dangoor Partnership for Living Kidney Donation for more information on how you can volunteer to become a buddy.

Find out more

Renal unit contact

Bridges Walk event volunteer

UK Renal Health Data Research Network members

Peer educator - Scotland