Our helpline - here to help you
We run a 24/7, 365 days a year helpline for you to ring if you have any issues which you would like to discuss. As we are the national association representing colostomates and their carers, we are able to assist with the every day issues of living with a colostomy; we have a great wealth of information to hand. We are not medically qualified and can only base our information from the experiences of fellow colostomates. It is always best to contact your stoma care nurse on medical concerns.
For assistance please phone our helpline 0800 328 4257
The helpline is willing to receive calls from people who are having problems with their stoma or need to talk about issues concerning their colostomy at anytime during the evening or over the weekend. However, we would appreciate if, apart from exceptional circumstances, these calls are made before 10pm in the evening. If possible, routine calls requesting literature to be made during office hours.
Meet Judy - one of our helpline volunteers
Hi I'm Judy. I had a colostomy in 1996 for rectal cancer. Before and after my operation I worked in the NHS but am now retired and enjoying it. I love gardening, planning theatre trips and holidays. I was devastated when told I had to have a colostomy, but with the support of a dedicated stoma nurse and wonderful husband, I soon got used to it. I enjoy being a volunteer for the Association and helping others to realise that there is life after a colostomy.
Experienced colostomates helping you
The phone rings...Sunday 2:40pm
Caller: 'Is that the Colostomy Association?'
Helpline volunteer: 'Yes, how can I help?'
Caller: 'Well...I'm having the operation next week. My stoma care nurse has told me all about it but she can't tell me what it feels like to have a bag.'
Helpline volunteer: 'I've had one for fifteen years.'
Caller: 'And how do you get on with it?'
Helpline volunteer: 'I hardly ever think about it anymore, but it did take a bit of getting used to at first...'
The call ends at 3:20pm.
The phone rings...Tuesday 6:35pm...
Helpline volunteer: 'Hello, Colostomy Association. Can I help you?'
For a few seconds there is silence.
Caller: 'You're a real person. I was expecting an answer-phone.'
Helpline volunteer: 'When the office closes at five, the helpline volunteers take over people like me who have a colostomy.'
Caller: 'All I wanted was to ask for a travel certificate.'
Helpline volunteer: 'That's OK. I'll tel the office. You'll have it in a couple of days. Where is it you're going?'
Caller: 'Greece...but I've not been on an aeroplane since I had my colostomy.
'I'm a bit worried...'
Caller: Helpline volunteer: 'So was I the first time, but I'm not now...'
'Really...'
The call ends at 7:15pm
The Colostomy Association is a member of the Telephone Helplines Association, which works with helplines to achieve the highest quality response to all those seeking information, advice on health, social welfare or educational issues via telephone or other interactive technology.