Young Colostomates
Colostomies in children and young adults are a rare occurrance - because it is unusual it is often overlooked. To help remedy this we are dedicating this page to young colostomates by this we mean - children, and parents of children with a stoma and young adults. We want your input - which will help us design this area specifically for you. Please get in touch via contact us - to tell us what you would like to see here!
Especially for Parents and Young Children
'Chris has an Ostomy'
We have produced 'Chris has an Ostomy' to help young children become familiar with ostomy surgery. Designed as a story/colouring book it provides information to the child who is the patient as well as to brothers and sisters on preparation for surgery, recovery from the operation and return to full activity.
To learn more send us an email: cass@colostomyassociation.org.uk
Young Fundraisers - We want you...
Do you think you could raise funds for us? If so, write to us or email us for a Colostomy Association funraising pack. Every quarter we will award a prize to the young colostomate who raises the most money or raises money in an unusual way.
Record your fundraiser - don't forget to take lots of photos and we will publish details of your event in our fundraisers gallery.
Here are some ideas to give you a head start..
• Sponsored silence
• School non-uniform day
• Sponsored run or bike ride
• Fancy dress party/sleepover
• Bake a cake/biscuits to sell at school
Whatever you do - please make sure you ask permission from your parents before getting involved in fundraising.
Get away...and get involved
Breakaway - adventure weekend specifically
for kids with stomas and their families
Breakaway are the UK's only weekend activity breaks designed for young people, from 6-18, with bowel and bladder diversions, and their families. Breakaway weekends and events offer a unique opportunity to meet families in similar situations, to talk and share experiences and to take part in confidence building action adventure activities.
To learn more why not visit: www.breakaway-visit.co.uk
Websites for you to visit...
Remember - when using the internet always be safety aware and do not give out personal contact details
www.convatec.co.uk
Provides a link to ‘Just for kids’ section. This site is designed to act only as a guide for parents and professionals.
www.crohnsiscrap.co.uk
Based in the UK and used worldwide, this site is for people who have crohns, IBS, Colitis, IBD and bowel problems, whether they are a patient, friend or relative. Although it says for young adults there is no age limit to people who want to take part. Has a lively community with forums/message boards.
www.nacc.org.uk
The national association for colitis and crohn’s disease (NACC) brings together people of all ages who have crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, their families and health professionals involved in their care.
www.smiliespeople.org.uk
Part of NACC, for age 16 and under. Includes a penfriend section and invitations to events.
www.ostomates.org
Shaz is an ileostomist from Western Australia and had her surgery age ten. Her website is designed to be an interactive support page for new and experienced ostomates. It is for ostomates by ostomates so there is no ‘medical speak’.
www.ostomyland.com
Sister site to Ostomy support. Ostomy message board and forum. Lots of information.
www.ostomylinks.co.uk
This website offers links specifically for children, teenagers and young adults. Links are also available for parents. Includes discussion boards and ostomy chat rooms.
www.ostomysupport.info
This website offers interactive support, product information and a lifestyle guide.
www.vicnet.net.au/youinc
YOU (young ostomates united) This is an Australian website but young ostomates may find the stories helpful as many are written by teenagers.