Support for Young People
You do not have to face this alone
Living with an autoimmune condition as a young adult can feel incredibly difficult and isolating.
Friends may not understand and it can be hard to explain what you are going through. The Wren Project offers free one-to-one and group listening support for young people aged 18 to 35 who are living with autoimmune conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis, lupus, Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease, scleroderma, Sjögren’s, or ankylosing spondylitis.
Our trained volunteers do not give advice or try to solve things. They listen with warmth and care so you can feel seen and understood.
Your choices
Who it is for
Support is available to anyone aged 18 to 35 in the UK living with a diagnosis of autoimmune disease. You may be newly diagnosed and looking for understanding, managing fatigue or pain while studying or working, or wanting to meet others who understand what you are going through.
How we support you
Volunteers are trained in compassionate listening and supported through reflective practice and ongoing training. They are not counsellors or medical professionals. They are people who listen with empathy, honesty, and respect.
You might talk about relationships, studies, work, or the future. You might speak about the physical, emotional or mental impact of your diagnosis.
Young people often tell us they wish they had discovered the Wren Project sooner. They realise they are not alone, that others their age share similar experiences, and that it is okay to say when things feel hard.
You can choose one-to-one sessions or small group listening support. Our support is free and online, meaning you can join from across the UK.. In one-to-one sessions, you are matched with a volunteer who meets you regularly and listens without judgement. Group sessions bring other people living with an autoimmune disease diagnosis together to share, listen, and connect. Listening support sessions run fortnightly and last for up to 50 minutes.
Many young adults find our free listening support following a recent diagnosis of autoimmune disease, or during a period of difficulty in their lives. The support we offer is free, without judgement or advice. We are simply here to listen and support.
