The Sickle Cell Society’s Peer Mentoring Programme launches to support Children and Young People.
The Sickle Cell Society’s Children and Young Person’s Peer Mentoring Programme has now expanded to support young people aged 10–24 years across the Liverpool City Region, Manchester, and Sheffield. This initiative, developed in partnership with local hospitals, aims to provide much-needed support, education, and empowerment for children and young people living with sickle cell disorder.
Since its pilot launch in London in 2017, the programme has expanded due to high demand, proving to be a valuable support system for young people. Now, children and young people across Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield have the opportunity to benefit from this proven model of peer support.
In Liverpool, we are working closely with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and the Liverpool Royal Infirmary Hospital, ensuring that young people with sickle cell receive personalised peer support to help them manage their condition with confidence. While this initiative is part of a wider regional expansion across the North-West and South Yorkshire, its local delivery aims to increase awareness and accessibility for families and healthcare professionals in the Liverpool area.
How does the programme help?
The peer mentoring programme is designed to:
✔ Improve young people’s understanding and management of sickle cell disorder.
✔ Enhance emotional and social well-being through connection with trained mentors.
✔ Provide guidance on accessing healthcare support and navigating available resources.
✔ Support the transition from paediatric to adult services with the help of a mentor who understands their journey.
How does the programme work?
The programme is delivered by a team of trained mentors, all of whom live with sickle cell themselves. These mentors provide one-to-one support over several months, helping mentees set and achieve personal goals related to managing their condition.
Referrals are open to:
✔ Children, young people, and parents (self-referral).
✔ Healthcare professionals (GPs, hospitals, community services).
We are eager to reach more families, healthcare teams, and young people who could benefit from this innovative, community-driven support system.
What do our mentees say?
"If it weren’t for the mentoring programme, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. It has truly been an unforgettable experience."
"During my time being mentored, I’ve really appreciated having a listening ear. My mentor has been incredibly supportive of my goals and aspirations, helping me navigate my education and career while managing my sickle cell."
About the Sickle Cell Society
The Sickle Cell Society (SCS) is the only national charity in the UK supporting and representing people affected by sickle cell disorder. Established in 1979, we work alongside healthcare professionals, parents, and individuals living with sickle cell to raise awareness, provide guidance, and empower families.
Approximately 15,000 people in the UK live with sickle cell disorder, with the condition predominantly affecting people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage, as well as those from Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Central/South American backgrounds.
Through advocacy, support, and education, the Sickle Cell Society continues to be a lifeline for individuals and families navigating the challenges of this inherited blood disorder.
Get Involved – Join the Mentoring Programme Today!
Do you know or live with someone aged 10–24 who has sickle cell in Liverpool City Region, Manchester, or Sheffield?
📩 Submit a referral: NWmentors@sicklecellsociety.org
🌐 Learn more: www.sicklecellsociety.org
📧 General inquiries: info@sicklecellsociety.org
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