Our Peer Support & Advice service provides practical guidance, emotional support and connection through our helpline, befriending, LiveChat, online community and local groups helping more people feel less alone, build confidence, manage daily challenges and live well with a stoma.
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Beneficiaries
200,000+ people in the UK live with a stoma & 21,000+ have stoma surgery each year - for reasons including cancer, Crohn’s & traumatic injury. It can be lifesaving but creates changes to daily life, confidence, mental wellbeing. 92% of respondents in our survey of 3,700+ ostomates reported ongoing issues like leaks, hernias & painful skin issues, while 34% said their mental health had worsened as a result. Post support is limited with many ostomates reporting no recent contact with a stoma nurse
We provide free, UK-wide peer support and advice via our 365-day Stoma Helpline, email, LiveChat, telephone befriending, online & in-person support groups. Our model is accessible, timely and delivered by people with lived experience. Our helpline team and almost all volunteers are ostomates, offering empathy and practical insight beyond clinical support. Services are available in different formats ensuring all can access support in a way that feels comfortable to them.