Having a space to offload matters: let the Wren Project listen
Living with Behçet’s can often feel like balancing on a moving target. One week it is severe mouth ulcers or joint pain; the next, it is exhausting brain fog or anxiety about an impending flare. Because Behçet’s is a rare, multi-system condition, explaining it to friends, family or colleagues can feel like an uphill struggle.
At Behçet’s UK, our helpline is here to answer your questions, signpost useful resources and provide a friendly listening ear when you need support. However, we also recognise that sometimes people living with Behçet’s need more sustained support. When a flare lasts for months, or the impact of living with a chronic condition begins to feel overwhelming, ongoing emotional support can make a real difference.
We are delighted to be working with the Wren Project, a UK charity that provides free, long-term listening support for people living with autoimmune and auto-inflammatory conditions, including Behçet’s.
“We are proud to partner with Behçet’s UK and we look forward to working closely together to raise further awareness of Behçet’s disease, a very rare autoimmune disease. This partnership is an important opportunity to shine a light on Behçet’s and the emotional impact it can have on an individual, whilst reflecting our wider mission to provide support for people living with all types of autoimmune disease.”
Kate Middleton, CEO, The Wren Project
How can the Wren Project help?
The Wren Project exists to bridge the gap between a life-changing autoimmune disease diagnosis and access to mental health support. They offer free listening support to adults across the UK through regular one-to-one sessions, small group sessions, or a combination of both.
If you choose one-to-one support, you will be matched with a trained volunteer and meet fortnightly for a dedicated 50-minute session. Volunteers do not provide medical advice or attempt to solve your symptoms. Instead, they are there to listen, helping you explore the challenges and emotions that can accompany life with a long-term condition.
An ongoing, supportive relationship
The Wren Project matches you with the same volunteer for six months, allowing you to build trust and continuity over time. This means you do not have to repeat your story at every session and can develop a meaningful, supportive relationship.
A place where you can speak freely
Living with Behçet’s can bring feelings of frustration, grief, isolation and uncertainty. These emotions are entirely normal, but they can be difficult to share with those closest to you. A Wren volunteer provides a confidential environment where you can talk openly about your experiences without worrying about judgement or feeling like a burden to others.
Support that works around your energy levels
When fatigue, pain or mobility difficulties make travelling difficult, attending appointments can feel impossible. All Wren Project support is delivered by telephone or private video call, allowing you to access support from the comfort of your own home.
Who can apply?
The Wren Project currently supports people with a confirmed diagnosis of Behçet’s or another autoimmune condition recognised by the NHS who are experiencing distress related to the impact of their condition.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be aged 18 or over.
- Live in the UK.
- Have access to a telephone and/or internet connection.
- Want support in talking through the impact of your diagnosis.
How to get started
You can self-refer directly in just a few steps:
- Visit www.wrenproject.org and click on “Get Support”.
- Complete the short, confidential online form with some information about your diagnosis and current situation.
- The Wren Project aims to respond within one week and begin the process of matching you with a volunteer.