Side-by-Side: Peer Mentorship

What Side-By-Side Is

Side by Side is a peer mentorship program that connects individuals affected by kidney disease with mentors who have lived experience with the condition.

The program creates space for supportive conversations, shared experiences, and encouragement from someone who understands the challenges of living with kidney disease.

Side by Side focuses on:

• Peer connection with someone who understands the journey

• Emotional encouragement during difficult transitions

• Shared lived experience that helps participants feel seen and understood

• Community support through meaningful relationships

Mentors are not professionals or clinicians, they are individuals who want to support others through empathy, understanding, and personal experience.

Why This Program Matters

Kidney disease affects far more than physical health. It can impact relationships, confidence, daily routines, and emotional well-being.

Many people navigating kidney disease feel isolated or misunderstood, especially during major transitions like diagnosis, dialysis, or transplant.

Sometimes what helps most is simply talking with someone who has been there.

Side by Side exists to help people:

• Feel less alone

• Gain encouragement from someone who understands

• Build confidence while navigating their journey

A supportive conversation can make a meaningful difference.

Who This Program Is For

Side by Side is designed to support individuals impacted by kidney disease, particularly young adults navigating the challenges of treatment and life transitions.

The program may be a good fit for:

• People newly diagnosed with kidney disease

• Individuals currently on dialysis

• People waiting for or recovering from a transplant

• Young adults navigating the transition to adult kidney care

• Individuals looking for connection with someone who has lived experience

For Mentees

Mentees are individuals looking for encouragement, connection, and support from someone who understands the kidney disease journey.

For Mentors

Mentors are individuals who have lived experience with kidney disease and want to offer encouragement and support to others.

Mentors share their experiences, listen, and provide peer-based encouragement while respecting each person’s unique journey.

How The Program Works

Side by Side is designed to create thoughtful, supportive connections between mentors and mentees.

1. Apply

Interested mentors and mentees complete a short interest form so we can learn about their experiences, goals, and preferences.

2. Review

Our team reviews each application carefully to understand the type of support participants are seeking.

3. Match

We pair mentors and mentees based on shared experiences, life stage, and compatibility.

4. First Connection

Mentors and mentees are introduced and encouraged to have an initial meeting focused on getting to know each other and setting expectations.

5. Ongoing Support

Participants continue meeting in a way that works best for them — whether through phone calls, video chats, or in-person meetings when possible.

The goal is to build a supportive relationship that helps both people feel encouraged and connected.

What Mentors Do

Mentors play an important role in creating a supportive and welcoming environment for mentees.

Mentors may:

• Share their personal experiences living with kidney disease

• Offer encouragement and understanding

• Listen with empathy

• Help mentees feel less alone

• Provide peer-based perspective during difficult moments

Mentors are not expected to have all the answers. Their role is simply to walk alongside someone and offer support through lived experience.

What Side-By-Side Is Not

Side by Side is designed to provide peer support, not professional services.

The program is not:

• Medical treatment or medical advice

• Therapy or mental health counseling

• Crisis support

• Case management

• A hospital or clinic program

Northwest Kidney Connection is an independent nonprofit organization.
While we work to support people affected by kidney disease, Side by Side is not affiliated with any hospital or healthcare provider.

Participants are always encouraged to seek guidance from their healthcare team for medical decisions.

Benefits of Participating

Participants in Side by Side often gain:

• Meaningful one-to-one peer connection

• Encouragement from someone who understands kidney disease firsthand

• Reduced feelings of isolation

• Support during major life transitions

• A safe space for honest conversation

• Greater confidence in navigating their journey

Both mentors and mentees often find the experience rewarding and meaningful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Side by Side?

Side by Side is a peer mentorship program that connects people impacted by kidney disease with mentors who have lived experience.

Who can request a mentor?

Anyone navigating kidney disease who would benefit from peer connection and encouragement may request a mentor.

Who can become a mentor?

Individuals with lived experience with kidney disease who want to support others may apply to become mentors.

How are matches made?

Matches are made thoughtfully based on shared experiences, life stage, and the type of support participants are seeking.

Is this medical advice or counseling?

No. Side by Side is a peer mentorship program and does not provide medical advice, therapy, or professional services.

How often do mentors and mentees connect?

Each pair decides what works best for them. Some meet weekly, while others check in monthly.

Is there a cost to participate?

No. Participation in Side by Side is free.

Get Involved

If you are navigating kidney disease and would benefit from connecting with someone who understands, Side by Side may be a good fit for you.

You can also make a meaningful difference by volunteering as a mentor and supporting someone earlier in their journey.

Take the next step:

• Request a Mentor

• Become a Mentor

• Contact Our Team: Info@nwkidneyconnection.org