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Creating a ‘Stoma Aware’ society

We are campaigning to ensure that facilities across the UK meet the needs of people  living with a stoma. Our crusade to create a Stoma Aware society includes:

Stoma Aware Training

Colostomy UK has been delivering Stoma Aware training for a number of years; however, the current format was introduced in 2017. The training seeks to educate organisations about the needs of ostomates, and the nature of hidden conditions. We educate organisations about what a stoma is, why someone might have a stoma and talk about ‘stoma stigma’. We talk about toilets, ostomates practical and emotional needs, infrastructure, and staff behaviour. At the end of the training, we act as a critical friend, supporting organisations to change their policies and procedures and overcome institutional prejudice.

If you have a bad experience, or if you know an organisation who would benefit from this training, please email info@colostomyuk.org. Find out more about Stoma Aware Training.

Stoma Friendly Toilets 

• Working with businesses, public bodies and policymakers to improve toilet facilities.
• Raising public awareness of the stigma many ostomates face when using accessible toilets.
• Find out more about stoma friendly toilets.

Travelling through UK Airports

• Working with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to educating airport staff on the issues and challenges ostomates face at airport security. Find out more about our work with airports.

Fighting the ‘Poo Taboo’

We want hidden conditions to be understood and accepted by all. Our vision is of communities in which everyone is empowered to reach their potential. We fight the ‘Poo Taboo’ by:

• Leading an annual Awareness Day.
• Promoting positive and powerful stories of people living with a stoma.
• Encouraging brave voices in the ostomy community to share their stories.