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For People With Sickle Cell

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Children & Young Person’s Peer Mentoring Programme

“Perfectly shaped cells turning into sickled cells as they fall  on a young person who looks confused, and someone comes to hold their hands and the sickled shaped cells are turned into the original shapes, not sure it can work” Olu.

The Sickle Cell Society’s Children and Young Person’s Peer Mentoring Programme is here to support young people aged 10-24 living with sickle cell disorder in Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and surrounding areas.

First launched in London in 2017, this unique programme has grown rapidly in response to demand – and it’s making a real difference. Now, children and young people across the North-West and South Yorkshire can benefit from the proven power of peer support.

Developed in partnership with local hospitals, the programme offers essential support, education, and empowerment for those navigating life with sickle cell disorder.

What the Programme Offers

Our peer mentoring programme is designed to help young people:

✔ Understand and manage their sickle cell disorder more effectively.

✔ Build emotional strength and social connections through trained peer mentors.

✔ Access healthcare services and make the most of available resources.

✔ Transition smoothly from paediatric to adult care with guidance from someone who has

How It Works

  • Support is delivered by trained mentors who also live with sickle cell.
  • Mentors work with young people over several months, setting and achieving personal goals around health, education, and life skills.
  • Referrals can be completed by:Children, young people, and parents (self-referral)
  • Healthcare professionals (GPs, hospitals, community teams)

Why It Matters

“If it weren’t for the mentoring programme, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. It has truly been an unforgettable experience.” “My mentor has been a listening ear, supporting my goals and helping me balance education, career, and living with sickle cell.”
These are just a few voices from the many young people who have gained confidence, knowledge, and community through our programme. Meet One of our Mentors?? – XX’s story

Latest Updates

Get Involved

Do you know – or are you – someone aged 10–24 with sickle cell in the North-West or South Yorkshire? Email your referral: Nwmentors@sicklecellsociety.org Scan the QR code below to learn more and sign up.

Together, we can make sure no young person with sickle cell feels alone.

FAQs – Thinking About Joining?

The programme provides children and young people the opportunity to meet with a peer mentor from their area – someone who has lived experience of sickle cell and is trained in mentoring

Anyone aged 10-24 living with sickle cell, who lives in Sheffield, Manchester or Liverpool and is registered with a local GP / receiving care via the NHS?

It is completely up to you – whatever you feel most comfortable with.

Nope — it’s completely free.

Because you’re not alone. Your mentor gets it — they’ve faced similar challenges and can help you feel more confident, supported, and heard.

Anything you want — from school, friendships, transitioning from child to adult services, and managing pain to future goals or just everyday life. It’s your space.

Yes. Everything you share with your mentor is confidential (unless there’s a serious risk of harm — then we’ll talk to you first before doing anything).

Support with your mentor lasts up to 6 months. If you need your time to be extended this can be discussed within the team.

Yes, you can. It may mean having mentoring online.

You can speak with the team by emailing: Nwmentors@sicklecellsociety.org or alternatively scan the QR code below!