Explore the impact of the Wren Project
We continually measure the impact of the listening sessions we provide to people living with autoimmune disease. Through consistent evaluation of our sessions, we strive to provide the best possible support to our Wrens.
In our latest impact report of 2024-2025, we measured the impact of our support on rates of loneliness, stress and an individual’s ability to cope with their diagnosis. We are extremely proud to share that we are having a positive impact in every metric we track.
Our impact in 2024-2025
Currently, more than six million people are living in the UK with autoimmune disease, with more than 80 recognised diseases. These include a broad range of conditions, such as lupus, coeliac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogrens and multiple sclerosis.
Far too many wait an average of seven years to be diagnosed. The impact of such a delay on an individual’s mental and emotional health is profound.
When a person applies for free listening support with us, many report high levels of distress. They commonly share feelings of loneliness, isolation and are grieving the changes in their lives. Many also feel a sense of hopelessness and declining rates of resilience.
Yet our 2024-2025 impact report shows how our support is changing the lives of people living with life-altering diseases.
After just three months of listening support with a trained volunteer, 85 per cent of our Wrens - people we support - feel more hopeful for the future. While 88 per cent feel less lonely and 79 per cent less distressed.
Young adults also greatly benefitted from the Wren Project’s support, with 91 per cent feeling less lonely as a result of regular listening sessions and 83 per cent reporting more hope for the future.
These findings show that compassionate listening support has a significant impact on a person’s wellbeing; giving them a renewed sense of optimism and crucially, hope, for their future.
Kate Middleton, CEO of the Wren Project shares the highlights of the 2024-2025 impact report
“The impact we are having on people’s ability to live with autoimmune disease is profound. People tell us they feel more hopeful, less distressed, and less alone. This transformation is at the heart of everything we do.
“Looking ahead to Year five, our ambition is to be bold and rooted in our mission; to build even more community and expand our reach to people across the UK who are living with the weight of autoimmune disease.
”Every day, we meet people who feel scared, isolated, or unheard and every day the Wren community helps change that. If you are able, we would be deeply grateful for your support. Your donation, whatever the amount, helps us bring hope, comfort, and connection to someone who truly needs it.”
~Kate Middleton
Our impact to date:
Our support is a crucial lifeline for people living with autoimmune disease.
As we enter our fifth year since inception, the Wren Project will continue to respond to the rising demand for mental health support for people living with autoimmune diseases. These conditions remain chronically under-recognised and unsupported.
Our latest report shows that our volunteer community has grown significantly to meet demand for our listening support. We have expanded our one-to-one listening support and introduced regular group support, giving our Wrens - individuals we support - more opportunities to share their experience in a safe, trusted and regular space.
As we move into our next chapter, our contribution to academic research, such as our collaboration with Cambridge University and participation in multi-disciplinary studies, will continue to further evidence the psychological needs of people living with rare and difficult diseases.
“Thank you for being part of our growth and our success. Whether you are a Wren, a volunteer, a fundraiser, a stakeholder, or someone who simply follows and believes in our work, you are part of our community and we are deeply grateful for your support.”
Kate Middleton, founder and CEO of the Wren Project
Get Support
We understand that an autoimmune disease diagnosis is life-changing. Through one-to-one listening support sessions, we can help navigate those changes together.
Become a Volunteer
We recruit and train individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of people with autoimmune disease. If you can support someone when they need it most, reach out today.
Fundraise or donate
Together, we can ensure no one has to face an autoimmune disease diagnosis alone. Whether you fundraise for us or make a donation, every penny makes a difference in the lives of those we support.
