Jobs in Hackney

About the PKD Charity:

Founded in 2000, we’re the first and only UK charity solely dedicated to improving the lives of an estimated 70,000 individuals and their families affected by polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in the UK.

PKD is a range of life-threatening inherited conditions that can cause kidney failure and affect other organs in the body such as the liver, brain, heart and bowels. Most people with PKD live with an uncertain prognosis, intermittent pain and infections, and then have to undergo life saving dialysis or transplant in their 50s.

A few babies have a rare form of PKD which results in death during pregnancy or shortly after birth; the surviving children often have to have either a kidney or liver transplant before the age of 10.

• We provide reliable, accredited information, advice and personalised support.
• We raise awareness of the burden of PKD, both clinical and psychosocial.
• We fund research aimed at understanding more about PKD and the discovery of therapies that will improve quality and longevity of life.
• We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

About the Project

PKD Scotland: Outreach and Community Connections Project.

It is estimated that around 5,000 people in Scotland could be living with Polycystic Kidney Disease. It is however often poorly understood and historically underfunded, meaning people can leave clinic after diagnosis with little support beyond medical appointments.

Many tell us they don't know where to turn for emotional support or to meet others living with the same condition. We want to change that and with support from a National lottery Awards for All grant that is exactly what we are going to do.

The eighteen-month project will see us reach into hospitals across Scotland to try and ensure that no one with PKD in Scotland has to manage their journey on their own. From diagnosis onwards we want all to be aware of the charity, the array of services that we offer and foster engagement.

Two new volunteer led support groups will be established and a group of ambassadors recruited to support the ongoing connections we make to ensure that PKD remains in the spotlight. As our Scotland PKD Engagement Officer you will be central to the success of the project.

Many people only reach us years after diagnosis, often when symptoms worsen, but we know that early connection can make a real difference. PKD is lifelong and people face new challenges at every stage. Having support around them helps them stay confident, informed and connected.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As PKD’s Scotland Engagement Officer, you will play a central role in delivering this ambitious outreach project.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will raise awareness of the PKD Charity and its services, ensuring that people diagnosed with PKD are informed about available support from the earliest possible stage.

You will build and nurture relationships with NHS professionals and services across Scotland, helping embed PKD Charity information and resources into patient pathways. Alongside this, you will work closely with volunteers to establish two new PKD support groups and develop an ambassador programme to maintain long-term local engagement and visibility.

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident relationship-builder who enjoys working autonomously while contributing to a small and dedicated team. Your work will help ensure that people living with PKD across Scotland feel informed, connected and supported throughout every stage of their condition.