Rare disease patient group training
Our trainings help patient groups to form, grow and professionalise.
Patient groups are essential to the rare disease community. These groups not only support those living with a rare condition, but also actively advocate for better research, treatment and care for their community.
Rare disease patient groups are one of the few outlets that can be turned to for credible information, understanding and support. Their important and value cannot be ignored.

What we do
At Beacon, we fully recognise the power and necessity of patient groups. We are the leading UK rare disease charity that offers patient groups the free trainings they need to reach their advocacy goals.
We upskill patient groups to help them gain the knowledge and confidence needed to advocate on behalf of their community. Our patient group trainings give rare advocacy groups the tools and connections needed to recognise their own power and potential.
We believe that patient groups simply need a helping hand and a trusted guide to walk their journey beside them, as they change the future of their rare disease.
Our free trainings help patient groups to:
- Establish and develop a patient group
- Raise awareness and understanding of their rare disease
- Provide support to patients and families
- Get ready to participate in research

You can improve your skills in many areas, such as:
Registering a charity
Connecting with doctors
Supporting mental health
Accessing treatments
How to fundraise
Navigating HTAs
Running family days
Using social media
Building a patient registry
Recruiting trustees
Improving your advocacy
And much, much more!
How we deliver our patient group training
Our patient group trainings are delivered in a way that best suits your needs. They are free to attend and cater for your learning style.
We know that leaders often have to juggle caring responsibilities, personal health, family life, employment and other roles. Whether you enjoy attending webinars from home, taking online training courses over the weekend or getting dressed up to attend an in-person workshop, we have the perfect patient group training for you!
In-person patient group trainings
Our in-person trainings provide practical, hands-on guidance from experts and patient groups alike. In-person trainings offer attendees the chance to network with each other and form connections with stakeholders who they otherwise wouldn’t have met.
These trainings connect patient groups at every stage of their journey with each other to ensure that they can get the answers they need to achieve their mission. We believe that by fostering an environment where patient groups can learn from each other in an open, welcoming setting, groups will save time, money and resources.
Our in-person trainings create a tight-knit feeling by sparking engagement through group activities that bring the room and community together.


Virtual patient group trainings
Don’t have the time to attend an in-person event? We get it! If you have too much on your plate or simply live outside of the UK and can’t attend, we’ll bring the training you’d like straight to your door!
Our virtual patient group trainings provide a top-class remote learning experience, allowing everyone to attend regardless of location or circumstances. Each training gives practical advice to help patient support groups build their own network, improve their support offerings and drive research into their specific rare condition. Our virtual trainings foster engagement and ensure that everyone feels connected and heard.
Guided programmes
If you’re ready to take your advocacy skills to the next level, apply for one of our guided programmes!
Our guided programmes provide tailored support to help rare disease advocacy groups and their leaders reach new specific milestones; both professionally and personally. Patient groups are never too big or too small to apply for them. All you need is a clear idea of what you want to achieve, the motivation to make it happen and the time to put your ideas into action! When you enrol in one of our guided programmes, you’ll leave with enhanced connections, confidence and knowledge.


On-demand patient group trainings
Patient group leaders are constantly juggling work, health and care commitments on top of running a rare disease support group. Free time is practically a myth, which can make attending events near impossible regardless of their delivery method. We understand and hear your challenges.
This is why our e-learning resources provide on-demand patient group trainings that can be enjoyed whenever best suits your schedule.
The Resources Hub is home to Beacon’s trainings, videos, event recordings, written courses and guides designed specifically for rare disease advocates and patient groups.
Upcoming training
Join us and the rare disease community at an upcoming Beacon event! Sign up to attend what interests you most and come join our growing, global rare disease community.
REMEDi4ALL Webinar Series – Introduction to Clinical Trials
REMEDi4ALL Webinar Series – Introduction to Clinical Trials
This webinar will answer some of the most common questions raised by trial participants and patients interested in research.
REMEDi4ALL Drug Repurposing Bootcamp for Academics
REMEDi4ALL Drug Repurposing Bootcamp for Academics
The REMEDi4ALL Drug Repurposing Bootcamp for Academics is designed to support senior post-doctoral researchers and early-career principal investigator...
Conquer public speaking: Unlock confidence, forge connections, and make an impact
Conquer public speaking: Unlock confidence, forge connections, and make an impact
Join our masterclass to boost your confidence in public speaking and achieve your advocacy goals!
Repeat! How to be the best leader for your community
Repeat! How to be the best leader for your community
This masterclass series is for rare disease patient group leaders who want to improve their leadership skills. It will give participants the opportuni...
To be amongst the first to hear about our upcoming patient group trainings or recruitment calls for our guided programmes, subscribe to The Beacon Bulletin now.
If you’d like to learn more about our upcoming patient group trainings or have ideas for future trainings, please email our Projects Team on projects@rarebeacon.org.