From Isolation to Community: Trina’s Journey Towards Self-Acceptance

26 May, 2026

Between the 15th and 21st June, the UK will recognise National Loneliness Awareness Week. Loneliness can take many forms. A person can be surrounded by people yet still feel isolated and alone, because the people around them are unable to relate to what they’ve been through. It’s an experience many people living with a stoma report feeling, which is exactly why Colostomy UK offers a Telephone Befriending Service.

Here, we share the story of Trina Mant, who generously shared her experience of using our Befriending Service, highlighting the positive impact this has had on her life.

Please note, this story contains mention of suicide*.

Trina Mant, a former Healthcare Support Worker, underwent an elective colostomy in June 2024 due to deteriorating health. The surgery marked the beginning of a deeply challenging period in her life – not because of the physical change, but because of the prejudice and stigma she faced from family, friends and even some healthcare professionals.

Trina experienced rejection and hurtful comments from some friends and family members. It seems many of those close to her struggled to understand her decision to opt for life with a stoma. As one family member noted:

“Who in their right mind would choose to have a bag hanging from their stomach?”

Feeling isolated, depressed, and misunderstood, Trina’s mental health declined significantly. She experienced severe anxiety and depression and made two suicide attempts by overdose.

Reaching Out for Help

Trina’s local Stoma Care Nurse suggested she contact Colostomy UK. Trina subscribed to Tidings magazine, which she describes as a turning point. The magazine encouraged her to get in touch with Jo McKenzie at Colostomy UK, who recommended the befriending service.

Trina was matched with Suzanne, a befriender who had lived experience and who could genuinely relate to her challenges. From the very first call, Trina felt understood for the first time. They now speak every month for 30 to 60 minutes, and Trina credits Suzanne for helping her see that she was not alone, and that there are people who truly care and understand.

Accessing Community Support

Suzanne encouraged Trina to join the Mercia Stoma Support Group, even though it was over 30 miles away. Despite the distance, she now attends regularly and rates the group as 10 out of 10. She says the group has been “life-changing”, providing both emotional understanding and practical advice.

Through the group, she also found a specialist dermatologist at York Hospital, who is now investigating her severe skin issues around her stoma. Suzanne also helped Trina explore irrigation and arranged for resources to be sent via Jo McKenzie at Colostomy UK.

How Befriending and Support Groups Have Helped

With time, support and encouragement, Trina has moved from despair to acceptance – and even pride. Trina’s self-confidence has grown considerably. She ignores the judgement of others and instead chooses to focus on her wellbeing. As she explained:

“I am content with myself and my stoma, I am more upbeat and have my old spark back. I’m heavily involved in my new [stoma] community and no longer withdrawn and ashamed. Suzanne has played a massive part in this transition and I’m now looking into becoming a Befriender myself”

For more information on Colostomy UK’s Befriending service, call: 0800 328 4257

If you are struggling, please contact Samaritans on 116 123

Support From Colostomy UK

We offer a wide range of support for people living with a colostomy, including our free Stoma Helpline, live chat support, and opportunities to connect with others through local and online groups. We also provide trusted information and resources to offer practical advice, reassurance, and the confidence to live well with a stoma: colostomyuk.org/support