ASCN UK News

ASCNUK25 Charity Spotlight: Colostomy UK

Date: 10 September 2025

Colostomy UK: Standing Together with People Living with a Stoma and the Nurses Who Care for Them

We know that living with a stoma is about far more than managing a medical condition. It’s about confidence, dignity, independence and knowing that you’re not alone. That’s why we’re here every step of the way, supporting people with a stoma, their families, and the stoma care nurses who make such a difference every single day.

Support When It’s Needed Most

Our 24-hour free helpline is often the first-place people turn when they feel anxious, isolated, or simply need someone who understands. Manned by volunteers with lived experience, it’s a lifeline, whether it’s the middle of the night or a busy weekday morning.

We also produce a wide range of advice literature covering everything from practical stoma management to emotional wellbeing, as well as Tidings magazine, our quarterly publication filled with real-life stories, helpful tips, research updates, and news from the stoma community. These resources not only help individuals but also provide stoma care nurses with tools they can share with patients.

Powered by Volunteers and Community

Our nationwide team of volunteers, most of whom are living with a stoma themselves, offer peer-to-peer support that is truly invaluable. From phone buddies to open days, they help people see that life with a stoma can still be active, fulfilling, and full of opportunities.

Through our Active Ostomates programme, we run gentle virtual and face to face exercise classes that encourage people to get moving again with confidence. Our caring for a person with a stoma workshops equip carers and family members with practical skills and reassurance, complementing the work of stoma care nurses in hospitals and communities.

And in 2018 we broke new ground by forming the world’s first stoma rugby league team (Team Colostomy UK), showing once and for all that having a stoma doesn’t stop anyone from taking on life’s challenges head-on.

Breaking Down Barriers

Alongside direct support, we’re proud to challenge stigma and make everyday life easier. Our Stoma Friendly Toilet Campaign continues to push for better facilities and understanding across the UK, while our partnerships with major UK airports help ensure people can travel with dignity and confidence.

Shaping the Future of Stoma Care

We’re also committed to making sure the voices of people with a stoma are heard where it matters most. Recently, we’ve been involved in:

• Supporting NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) in its late-stage assessment of closed colostomy bags.
• Working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care on their Part IX review.
• Engaging with NHS England on its new category review for stoma and continence care products in both primary and secondary care.

By ensuring patient experience is at the heart of these processes, we help stoma care nurses and clinicians deliver the very best outcomes for the people they support.

Always Stronger Together

Everything we do at Colostomy UK comes back to one simple belief: nobody should feel alone when they’re living with a stoma. Whether it’s through information, advocacy, community projects, or one-to-one support, we’re here for patients, carers, and the professionals who dedicate their careers to stoma care.

Together with stoma care nurses, we’ll keep building a future where every person living with a stoma feels empowered, understood, and supported to live life to the full.

For more information visit https://www.colostomyuk.org/ or email getinvolved@colostomyuk.org

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