Stoma Helpline We’re here 365 days a year, 9am – 10pm: 0800 328 4257
Stoma Helpline We’re here 365 days a year, 9am – 10pm: 0800 328 4257
Our campaigns aim to tackle the stigma that still exists in some areas of society. The more people understand stomas, the easier it becomes for those living with them to lead fulfilling lives. On this page you can find out about how we’re campaigning for people living with a stoma and how you can get involved.
Over 200,000 people in the UK are living with a stoma. Being Stoma Aware matters to them because:
Our quick video explains why it’s important to be #StomaAware
Our campaign is all about challenging the myths, breaking down stigma, and replacing misinformation with real, lived experience. Whether you're someone living with a stoma, about to have stoma surgery, supporting a loved one, or just want to learn, we’re here to clear things up.
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Our stoma-friendly toilet campaign encourages organisations to make toilets welcoming and stigma-free, helping people living with a stoma access facilities with confidence, dignity, and independence.
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We want to make sure that the government is considering ostomates in their healthcare and infrastructure plans, and that they commit to making significant improvements to the care and support everyone receives, at all stages of life before and after stoma surgery.
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Since early 2024, Colostomy UK and people living with a stoma have worked with ITV’s Coronation Street to support Bethany Platt’s storyline, which sees the character receive a permanent stoma following complications from surgery abroad.
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We are working with The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to ensure that the needs of travellers with a stoma & other hidden conditions are better recognised.
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Stoma Aware training from Colostomy UK helps organisations understand the needs of people living with a stoma and other hidden conditions. The training explores stoma stigma, practical and emotional needs, toilet access, infrastructure, and staff behaviour, and supports organisations as a critical friend to improve policies, practices, and inclusion.
Read moreHere you’ll find a collection of our major campaigns from 2023 and 2024. These represent important milestones in our work: raising awareness, challenging stigma, informing change, and insisting on better standards for people living with a stoma.
A campaign to amplify the voices of people with stomas and push for visible recognition in society and public life. Do You See Me? sought to bridge awareness gaps so that ostomates are acknowledged, included, and supported.
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Focused on breaking down the barriers of social isolation and exclusion that many people with stomas face in public spaces, in relationships, at work.
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Our 2022 campaign was themed “Being Stoma Aware Matters” highlighting why understanding stomas and the people who live with them is important for reducing stigma, isolation and discrimination. It encouraged everyone to be more aware of what a stoma is and the daily challenges people living with a stoma face.
Read moreDo you want to make change for people living with a stoma? We don’t just run campaigns - we help you take action.
Be part of a growing community working to improve life for people living with a stoma. Join our network to stay connected, access support, and take part in opportunities to make a real difference together.
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Have an idea, a question, or want to explore how to get involved? We’re here to help. Get in touch and one of our team will talk through how we can support you and work alongside you.
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