Creating a ‘Stoma Aware’ United Kingdom

Our Stoma Aware campaign aims to tackle the stigma that still exits in some areas of society. The more society understands the easier it will become for people with stomas to lead fulfilling lives.

Our quick video explains why it’s important to be #StomaAware

Stoma Aware Strategy

Between October 2021 and April 2022 we asked to hear from ostomates about how having a stoma impacts on your day-to-day life in the United Kingdom, what you think about Colostomy UK, and how well supported you feel by healthcare professionals. Over 1,100 of you replied and we are now busy collating and analysing all your responses. They will help us better understand what matters to you and will shape the future direction of our campaigns and support services as we shoot for our goal of a more Stoma Aware United Kingdom.

We aim to feedback on what matters to you by the autumn.

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 UK 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 hello@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.

How Can you get involved

Download and share our infographic (above) and help to make others #StomaAware
Download and share our information video about how many people have a stoma, and the reasons why. You can also download and share our educational video ‘What is a stoma’
Download our printable #StomaAware Frame and share your message on social media
Work with us to encourage organisations to become more Stoma Aware. Get in touch at hello@colostomyuk.org