The Colostomy Association is a UK registered charity representing the interests of people with a colostomy. Colostomy is not a subject that is openly discussed - hence there is a general lack of public knowledge on what it's like to have a stoma. We offer support, reassurance and practical information to anyone who may be about to have, or already has a colostomy. The Association provides assistance to those who are new to living with a
Our Mission From the beginning our mission has been to listen, to inform and to be your voice. What is the role of the Colostomy Association? The primary role of the Colostomy Association is to represent the interests of people with a colostomy. We are experts in living with a colostomy and that experience is available to all colostomates, via personal contact with our volunteers. We
This privacy policy sets out how Colostomy Association uses and protects any information that you give Colostomy Association when you use this website. The Colostomy Association is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with
table tbody td { padding:9px 0 9px 0; border-bottom:1px dotted #ccc; } 1963 A lady called Gertrude Swithenbank (herself a colostomate) is approached by a Registrar within her hospital, asking if she would be interested
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If you are interested in advertising your product or service on our website please contact us at cass@colostomyassociation.org.uk for details. If you are interested in advertising in our Tidings magazine, a media pack is available. For more information and to receive this please contact us at
Helpline The Colostomy Association is able to provide practical help, support and reassurance to ostomates, their carers, friends and families. We have over seventy volunteers, all of whom have had stoma surgery and have successfully completed our training programme. Our volunteers are able to chat on all aspects of living with a colostomy...... from travelling by air to going swimming. If you have had,
We are here to help you, so please get in touch if you require more information, have an enquiry or would like to offer your support. Here are the various ways in which you can contact us: Write to us at: Colostomy
Welcome to our information pages. Using the links on the right you will be able to find out more about life with a colostomy. We offer hints and tips on travel, irrigation, keeping fit as well as how to deal with problematic stomas and how to obtain our Tidings magazine on a regular basis. Our aim is to offer you practical and emotional advice on the everyday trials of being a colostomate. 'Read my Story' are articles written by
What is a stoma? The term stoma comes from the Greek word meaning mouth or opening. There are three types of stoma : Colostomy – an opening from the large bowel (colon) to allow faeces to leave the body without passing through the anus. This is usually on the left hand side of the abdomen and the output tends to be formed and firm. Ileostomy – an opening from
If you received your colostomy as a result of an emergency operation and were only told the news when you woke up, you may not have understood what the medical staff were saying. Those of you who were prepared in advance for your operation and given support by your stoma care nurse and consultant may still have experienced trouble coming to terms with the idea of wearing a bag. The Colostomy Association has over seventy volunteers who
Choosing the right pouch : Whether it is a one-piece or a two-piece the most important requirements of a pouch is that the seal around the stoma is secure and the adhesive is skin-friendly.
Most people are able to live life with a stoma as they did before their surgery. But sometimes problems do arise which can cause concern. Below are some of the most common stoma problems and some hints and tips to help you overcome them.Ballooning : Ballooning is where gas collects inside the bag causing it to
The main reasons a temporary stoma may be formed are for bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis and injuries to the bowel that mean it has to be rested, so that it may heal. Improved surgical techniques mean that operations to form permanent stomas are declining. However, for more than 65% of ostomates, their stoma is permanent. For those whose stoma can be reversed, the outcome will depend on how much
The Colostomy Association offers advice to everyone who has or may need to have a colostomy, regardless of age. In this section we have information specifically for young people and their families, to help them live life to the full with a colostomy. Young Children The Colostomy Association's book "Sam has
National Key Scheme - RADAR the disability network The National Key Scheme (NKS), also known as the Royal Association for Disability Rights (RADAR) Scheme, was developed because some public toilets designed for disabled people had to be locked to prevent damage and misuse. This has been countered by their being locked separately from other toilets. The scheme aims to provide disabled key holders with independent access to the
Travel Insurance for Ostomates The Bournemouth Insurance Group (CATIP) provides a policy specifically designed for ostomates by an ostomate. With this scheme everyone wins - the Colostomy Association benefits by receiving commission on every policy written and you win because the policy is bespoke - designed for your needs and highly competitive. Our premiums
table tbody td { border-bottom:1px solid #ccc; padding:5px 0 5px 0; } Download our Leaflets and Booklets Please see below a list of our literature in alphabetical order, available to download and print. The files listed are PDF files (portable document format). To view these files you will require the latest plugin for Adobe Acrobat Reader (which may already be installed on your
Tidings is the premiere magazine for Colostomates, their families and their carers. It is written specifically by the Colostomy Association, with contributions from ostomates and stoma care professionals, for the ostomate community. 'Tidings' provides a voice through which ostomates can exchange experiences and practical ideas, obtain supportive information and educational material, and keep up with the latest products and
The Colostomy Association provides a range of services and literature to medical professionals: Mail out service for Open Days. We do not charge nurses for this. A local volunteer to offer support to new patients if required Volunteers to attend local meetings if required Literature and factsheets offering support and advice to ostomates (Posted within the UK only, you may
The guest speaker will be Keith Perrin who will give a talk entitled 'My Journey so Far'. This will be about his life in the police force and combines his experience with cancer.
Lingerie, underwear and swimwear design : My name is Penny Newton and I am currently studying a masters in Fashion Bodywear. I also hold a degree in Contour Fashion (lingerie, swimwear, corsetry & sportswear). - 2011-02-08 ... moreTidings Winter 2010, Issue 20 : The Winter issue of Tidings is now available. If
We recognise the benefits of supplying up to date information, and will strive to provide ostomates with the latest news on new products and services. We welcome feedback about stoma care products and services especially those that have helped resolve a stoma related problem - please get in touch with us here contact us. Disclaimer: The Colostomy
Our event page will show you all the current events that are planned for the future. To find out more about the event simply click on the title and you will be directed to the appropriate page.
Details of forthcoming Open Days appear on this page. If you are already registered with us, and live within the catchment area for these events, you will usually receive an invitation through the post with more specific details.
The Directory gives you access to external resources that we think may be able to help you live your life with a stoma. The links on the right give you access to regional support groups, charities and other organisations you may find helpful. Please also see our factsheets on Manufacturers of Stoma Products and
Many people with stomas can often feel alone in the world. There are many self-help support groups across the country that are always looking for new members. Alternatively you may wish to speak with one of our volunteers, either local to yourself or in a different area but with experience on a specific issue that you want to discuss. If you would like to start your own local support group, please visit the
EOA European Ostomy Association Website: http://www.ostomyeurope.org
Cancer: Beating Bowel Cancer Awareness, education and support Bowel Cancer UK Advisory service CancerHelp UK Easy to understand patient information from Cancer Research UK Macmillan Cancer Support
The aim of the Colostomy Association is to provide practical and emotional support to ostomates, their carers and their families. We do this, with our volunteers, through our magazine, 24hour helpline and through our support of the professional healthcare teams. If you would like to receive our magazine on a regular basis please Register with Us. The
Thank you for choosing to register with the Colostomy Association. Upon receipt of your details, we will forward you our Welcome Pack which will include a copy of the latest edition of our quarterly magazine Tidings and advisory literature Living with a Colostomy and Travel Advice. Please fill in the comments if you would like to receive any of our other booklets or factsheets. One benefit of registration means that we can inform
Would you like to volunteer with us? Attending open days, talking to new ostomates and fundraising are just a few of the opportunities available to you as a volunteer. If you are interested then please complete the form below. We do also require two references, one preferably being from your stoma care nurse or a healthcare professional as well as Criminal Records Bureau clearance and a visit to our Reading offices for an
If you are interested in setting up a support group please contact us to receive a copy of our guide, or ask to speak to one of our volunteers who is experienced in setting up a support group. There are support groups throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Please click here to check if there is a support group in your area. Starting your own support group
The Colostomy Association is an independent charity and is financed solely from donations and fund-raising events. Your financial help has never been more important - with a continuing income and planned agenda, we can budget for and carry out the important work of the Association. However much is raised by you for the Colostomy Association, you may rest assured that our end goal of providing help and
How to donate The Colostomy Association receives no government funding and relies entirely on public generosity to fund its services - without you we simply cannot function. The Colostomy Association is an independent charity (Registered Charity No: 1113471) and is financed solely from donations and fund-raising events. Your financial help has never been more important - with a continuing
Charities such as the Colostomy Association are heavily dependant upon donations to enable us to continue to provide our services. Leaving a donation in your will, to the charities that you support, may be something that you might like to consider. Twenty percent of people in the UK die without having made a will and this often leaves loved ones to face complicated legal and financial matters at a distressing time. Making a
Wherever you see the Gift Aid logo you can help the Colostomy Association even more, at no additional cost to you. If you are a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid offers a simple way to increase the value of your gift to charity by allowing the charity to reclaim the tax on your gift. You can use Gift Aid if the amount of tax you have paid in any tax year (6
The 500 club is a way of raising vital funds for the Colostomy Association and will also give you the chance to win cash prizes ranging from £25 to £1000. For the sum of £24 per year, you will be entered into a quarterly draw for cash prizes of up to £500, £250, 3 x £100, 3 x £50 and 3 x £25. At the end of each year a further prize of £1000 will be awarded. Draws will
Jackie: Flying High! : Whether you are an old or new colostomate, there will come a time when you wish to travel and perhaps fly for the very first time since receiving your stoma.
Visit Colostomy Association for more information