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Stoma Aware Training

At Colostomy UK, we’ve been delivering Stoma Aware Training for many years. Our current programme, launched in 2017, continues to make workplaces, services, and communities more inclusive for people living with a stoma.

Why Stoma Awareness training is important

Every day, people with a stoma face challenges that can make even simple activities daunting. Sometimes, organisations reach out to us when a member of staff is preparing for stoma surgery, or after a customer or employee has had a negative experience.

One example is Blake Beckford, who was humiliated when his stoma bag leaked on his way to a meeting and staff at a conference centre on route refused to let him use the toilet, despite his urgent medical need. His experience left him anxious about leaving home:

“It put me off going out. I would have to plan my route, knowing which toilets had enough space to change my stoma bag quickly if needed.”

We worked with that conference centre to deliver Stoma Aware Training, helping prevent such situations from happening again. We have also supported a wide range of organisations – from airports and supermarkets to law firms and factories – to create environments where people with a stoma feel respected and supported.

What’s included?

Our Stoma Aware training is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with a stoma by raising awareness, promoting inclusivity, and delivering specialised training. Every organisation has a role to play in ensuring people with non-visible disabilities feel understood, respected, and supported. This training equips staff with the knowledge and confidence to engage with individuals with a stoma in a compassionate and professional way, helping to foster a more inclusive environment.

We also introduce participants to the work of our charity Colostomy UK, a national charity that supports anyone with any type of stoma. We provide practical guidance, emotional reassurance, and a listening ear through our stoma helpline, online support group and various other support services and resources. Knowing how to signpost people to Colostomy UK means staff can help ensure individuals receive ongoing support beyond the workplace.

What is the format?

The training normally lasts for 2 – 2.5 hours, and can be delivered in person or virtually. Normally includes real-life scenarios with someone who has lived experience of life with a stoma.

What is the cost?

Training prices range from £350-£750, depending on the size and type of your organisation. Please complete the form at the bottom of this page for a personalised quote.

Objectives of the Training

• Build understanding of stomas and the everyday challenges faced by people living with them.
• Equip staff with practical skills to provide respectful, dignified, and effective support.
• Promote inclusivity and compliance with disability regulations.
• Advise on infrastructure changes and return to work needs.
• Challenge misconceptions (Myth Busting),  insensitive language and encourage empathy in interactions.
• Highlight how Colostomy UK can provide practical and emotional support to people with a stoma.
• Provide staff with the opportunity to ask questions in a safe and supportive environment.

Training Overview

• Understanding Stomas – What they are, why people have them, and common challenges.
• Practical Support & Best Practices – How to provide assistance while maintaining dignity and respect.
• Customer Service & Inclusivity – Building confidence in interactions to ensure positive experiences. Also advising on infrastructure changes needed to be Stoma Aware
• Emergency Situations – Responding discreetly and appropriately to medical incidents.
• Q&A & Real-Life Scenarios – Interactive discussions with someone with lived experience to reinforce learning.
• Signposting to Support – How to connect people to Colostomy UK’s stoma helpline, online support group and various other support services and resource. To get the right practical and emotional support.

Add-ons

Caring for someone with a stoma

If your organisation also looks after someone with a stoma, we are able to run our Caring for a person with a stoma workshop alongside the awareness training. You can find out more about this training here.

Aviation specific training?

With over a decade of experience in the aviation sector, we have worked closely with airports and airlines through training programs, consultancy, and accessibility projects that enhance the passenger experience. We understand the vital role both airports and airlines play in ensuring all travellers, including those with non-visible disabilities, enjoy a seamless and dignified journey.

If you’re from the aviation industry, we will tailor our Stoma Aware Training accordingly. We will equip airports and airline staff with the knowledge and confidence to support passengers with a stoma effectively. Aligned with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidance and the Department for Transport’s (DfT) accessibility commitments, the program embeds best practices into daily operations. This not only helps raise accessibility standards and improve customer service but also ensures compliance with industry expectations while fostering a more inclusive travel environment across aviation.

If you would like to get a quote for us to deliver training for your organisation, please complete the below form. If you’d like to chat about it, please get in touch with getinvolved@colostomyuk.org or call 0118 939 1537.

If you are living with a stoma and have a bad experience, or if you know an organisation who would benefit from this training, please email hello@colostomyuk.org.

To find out more about our work to create a ‘Stoma Friendly Society’ check out our campaigns work.