Listening support for people
living with autoimmune disease
I need help
The Wren Project is a place where individuals, diagnosed with autoimmune disease, can talk about the emotional and social impact of living with a chronic condition. It is a place free from judgement or advice. It is a place to feel heard as you are, validated in your experience.
I want to help
We are looking for individuals who are able to offer non-judgemental, warm, and empathic support to Wrens - the participants in our programme. We are looking for people who want to help others navigating challenging, life-changing medical diagnoses.
How the Wren Project helps?
“It has been a helpful and refreshing experience to speak to someone about how I feel towards my illness…
My volunteer listens well and makes me feel like the important one in the conversation which can be lacking in my family and friend interactions.
It’s also nice to not have someone who feels like they have to say something to make me feel better or that everything will be alright.”
Feedback from one of our Wrens
Why the Wren Project exists?
6% of the UK population have autoimmune disease. The route to medical diagnosis can be incredibly lengthy, complex, and uncertain.
The social and emotional impact of diagnosis can have a profoundly difficult, lasting, and material impact on an individual’s life. Too often, this impact is seen as secondary to the medical and overlooked; 66% of those diagnosed have mental health problems.
What We Offer
Ongoing, one-to-one listening support can make a big difference to people grappling with life with autoimmune disease. Our support can help reduce loneliness, improve mental health, and increase autonomy and resilience.
Our Board
Trustees on our leadership team come from a range of medical, charitable, law, legal, and corporate sectors. Trustees support and guide the Wren Project’s strategy and governance.
Our Ambassadors
Ambassadors are a key part of the Wren family; people living with different autoimmune diseases who act as representatives of the Wren Project, sharing their experiences, championing the work we do, and shaping the broader community of Wrens.