Kidney Research UK's: a better life through education and empowerment.

Over 3 million people are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Kidney Research UK, a national charity dedicated to research that will lead to better treatment and cures for kidney disease has developed the innovative and successful 'A better life through education and empowerment' (ABLE) programme which researches and raises awareness of the issues among 'at risk' groups and helps prevent or slow its progression. Initially the programme focused on the black and minority ethnic (BME) communities who are up to 5 times more likely to develop kidney failure than white caucasians. This is largely due to hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Recently the scope of the programme was broadened to encompassall those at risk and the useful lessons learned from the 7 initial projects are being used to inform the future of ABLE and other CKD projects. The programme has been funded by a cross section of organizations including the Department of Health and the Big Lottery Fund. Outcomes from the first two completed projects as well as an update on the other ABLE work are summarized.