Peer Support

Peer Support

Peer support is when people with similar experiences connect and support each other.

The aim of our peer support service is to directly connect you with another person/family who have a range of lived experiences touched by vascular EDS. It is open to members of Annabelle’s Challenge aged 13 and above, however if you're under 16 we will need to have permission from your parent/guardian.

Feelings of isolation often accompany the everyday effects of living with vascular EDS. Frequently, those feelings stem from the perception that no one understands what you are going through. Sometimes you simply need to talk freely about how you're feeling or to share your concerns.

Speak with someone within our community who understands. Our volunteer peer supporters have been diagnosed with vascular EDS themselves and others are supporting a loved one with vascular EDS.

How does it work?

If you are interested in our peer support service, please arrange an initial chat with one of our Patient Coordinators, Danika or Scarlett who will ask you some questions to help match you with the right person/family.

We will do our best to find a suitable peer support for you, but occasionally this isn’t always possible. Where this is the case, we will always work with you to find the right support.

Once everything is confirmed we’ll send you an email to let you know. This email will also contain information about your peer support volunteer/s and how to contact each other by telephone, text message, e-mail or social media.

Remember - you are not alone. We are here to help and support you.

Meet Danika

Danika - Patient Coordinator

Danika joined Annabelle's Challenge in April 2022 taking on the role of patient coordinator.

"Before joining the charity I was a childcare professional with 13 years’ experience of working with children and their families.

Recently I completed my studies of Mental Health at college and gained a qualification in Mental Health Awareness Level 1 and Level 2 in Social Care and Children’s And Young Peoples Mental Health."

Alongside her role as a patient coordinator, Danika is also a Mental Health First Aider accredited by MHFA England.

Meet Scarlett

Scarlett - Patient Coordinator

Scarlett joined Annabelle's Challenge in October 2023 taking on the role of patient coordinator.

"I am so pleased to be given this amazing opportunity to take on the role as a patient coordinator for the charity to help support all our members both existing and newly diagnosed. I have previous experience in childcare, and I love to travel especially to Ireland".

Alongside her role as a patient coordinator, Scarlett is also a Mental Health First Aider accredited by MHFA England.