Stoma Helpline We’re here 24 hours a day: 0800 328 4257
Stoma Helpline We’re here 24 hours a day: 0800 328 4257
Volunteering and Lived Experience: Ian’s Story
Meet Ian Fletcher, one of our dedicated helpline volunteers. Ian not only takes calls to offer reassurance and guidance, but he also supports the charity at events—sharing advice and encouragement with fellow ostomates.
For Ian, this role is about much more than answering questions.
“I think it is important for people living with a stoma to be able to access support from peers with similar lived experiences, to go alongside medical and nursing input,” Ian explains.
That peer-to-peer connection can make a world of difference. While healthcare professionals provide essential medical expertise, lived experience brings a layer of understanding, empathy, and hope that only another ostomate can offer.
Volunteering has also given Ian something valuable in return:
“I also find that volunteering helps me to maintain a positive attitude to my own stoma life.”
By supporting others, Ian strengthens his own resilience and outlook. His story is a reminder of the power of shared experience and the vital role volunteers play in building a supportive community.
