Connect Immune Research partnership welcomes sixteenth member

The Wren Project – listening support

Founded by people living with autoimmune conditions, the Wren Project provides support to individuals diagnosed with autoimmune disease by addressing the often overlooked emotional and psychosocial challenges of diagnosis. Through free, ongoing listening support delivered by trained volunteers, they create a safe space where people can talk openly about the impact of their diagnosis, and of the life changes that follow.

The Wren Project supports people diagnosed with autoimmune conditions to regain a sense of control, build resilience, and feel truly understood. They advocate for the millions of individuals across the UK affected by one or more of over 80 currently known autoimmune conditions.

The organisation is also pioneering sector changing research by actively contributing to academic studies that strengthen the evidence base around the psychological needs of people living with autoimmune conditions.

Kate Middleton, CEO of the Wren Project said:

“We are excited to join a community who are equally as curious, compassionate and deeply invested in understanding autoimmune diseases as we are. Together, we can connect the dots, share insights, and support each other in navigating the complexities of autoimmune disease that so many people face.”

Strength in partnership – Connect Immune Research

Established in 2018, Connect Immune Research is a collaborative initiative that aims to unite charities to investigate the shared mechanisms underlying autoimmune conditions. The inclusion of the Wren Project will help further highlight the mental burden associated with autoimmunity and will complement the partnership’s existing scope with broader insights into the lived experience of autoimmune conditions.

Rachel Connor, Director of Research Partnerships at Breakthrough T1D UK, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome the Wren Project to the Connect Immune Research partnership. Their focus on the emotional and psychosocial impact of diagnosis, and of living with autoimmune conditions, is vital to the autoimmune community.

“The Wren Project will complement and strengthen the Connect Immune Research member base, ensuring that autoimmunity research continues to be shaped by the full reality of those affected.”