Young sickle cell patients highlight benefits of innovative peer mentoring program to ITV
To mark Sickle Cell Awareness Month, mentor Rachel Simpson and mentee Marilen Maddy sat down with ITV to discuss their experience participating in the peer mentoring programme for young people living with sickle cell.
The peer mentoring programme is a London-wide initiative which pairs young sickle cell patients with mentors who have firsthand experience of living with the condition, offering them guidance on managing their health. In south east London, the scheme has been rolled out by the South East London Integrated Care System, in partnership with the Sickle Cell Society.
The pilot programme has been funded for two years by NHS England as part of a wider plan to support improvement of community services for those living with sickle cell.
The programme has been particularly successful in south east London, with more than 70 referrals so far.
When asked about her experience on the programme, 27-year-old Rachel Simpson, a lead mentor in south east London, said:
“Being able to share my knowledge about living with the condition and what has helped me manage it daily, has been truly fulfilling.
“Sickle cell has shaped me into the strong person I am today, and I’m proud to help other young people recognise their own worth and resilience as they navigate life with sickle cell.”
Her mentee, 23-year-old aspiring actress Marilen Maddy said:
“I decided to join the program as a way connect with other people like me, people who share my pain and know exactly what it’s like living with sickle cell.
“I love the fact that this program has mentors that actually have sickle cell, it’s so relatable! When I met my mentor, we sat and spoke for hours and I’ve never felt so satisfied. I finally felt heard, and it was so reassuring to know that I’m not the only one suffering.”
Dr Dale Seviar is the lead clinician for the programme and a consultant haematologist at Guy’s Hospital. He said:
“The peer mentoring program is an exciting programme for children and young people with sickle cell disorder. Trained mentors with sickle cell themselves are matched with mentees.
“The program aims to improve the health and well-being of young people with sickle cell disorder through peer support and to improve young people’s understanding and management of the condition.
“We’ve had an excellent uptake for the programme across our network; we are enthusiastic about the difference this will make in the lives of our young people with sickle cell.”
Clinicians can refer patients via the Sickle Cell Society website. Patients and parents can also self-refer to the programme.