Welcome to our July Newsletter

Hello from everyone at Colostomy UK!

In this latest edition of our e-newsletter, you’ll find plenty of advice for building your confidence in everyday life with a stoma. Whether that's being able to leave the house knowing you can access a decent toilet, staying active through exercise classes, or family and professionals building the skills to support someone they care for well. And if by the end of it all you’re feeling confident, you could always consider signing up for a marathon – all in the name of a very good cause of course.

The University of Leeds has become the latest organisation to join our growing  Stoma Friendly Toilets campaign, making it easier for people living with a stoma. 

89 accessible toilets across the University have been upgraded to become stoma friendly. - helping staff, students and visitors living with a stoma access clean, practical and dignified toilet facilities across its campus.

Following Jenna Robinson’s call for East Riding of Yorkshire Council to improve its accessible toilets, we highlighted how simple features can protect dignity, confidence and independence for people living with a stoma.

Read the full story and see why we're continuing to campaign for simple changes that help people living with a stoma use public toilets with confidence and dignity.

Find out more about our Stoma Friendly Toilets campaign.

We're thrilled to announce that Colostomy UK has secured eight charity places in the London Landmarks Half Marathon 2027 for the very first time! 

Why run for Colostomy UK? 

By taking on the London Landmarks Half Marathon, you'll be helping us continue providing practical and emotional support, trusted information and a voice for everyone living with a stoma. 

In return for a space, we ask that each runner commits to raising a minimum of £400 (excluding Gift Aid) to help us continue our life-changing work. 

If you've been looking for your next challenge, this could be it! 

If you'd like to be considered for one of our places, simply complete our short application form: 

London Landmarks Half Marathon 2027 

Applications close on Thursday 6 August 

Our Active Ostomates project helps get people active after stoma surgery. The next series will be starting on the 1st of September for 8 weeks, including: Mindfulness, Chair Yoga, Yoga and Pilates. 

The classes are free to join and available online, via Zoom, you can sign up via our website: ColostomyUK.org/active-ostomates

Our CPD accredited Caring for a Person with a Stoma Workshop is available for both professionals and those providing unpaid support in the home, such as family, friends and others who help. It covers all the basics of stoma care over 90 minutes, on Zoom, to help improve confidence supporting someone with a stoma while improving their dignity and comfort.  

• To sign up as an individual professional, please sign up to our next workshop on the 19^th of November at 2pm!
• To sign up as someone who cares or provides emotional support to someone in the home, you can sign up for our next workshop on the 13^th of October at 2pm for FREE!

Members of our team recently facilitated two brilliant webinars. If you weren't able to join us live, or you'd like to watch again, recordings of our recent webinars are now available on our YouTube channel. See below for more details and how to access the recordings.

Staying Active with a Stoma

Discover practical tips and advice to help you build confidence, stay active and look after your physical wellbeing.

Watch: Staying Active with a Stoma:Exercise, Core Strength, & Confidence-Sponsored by CliniMed & SecuriCare

Managing and Preventing Leakage

In this webinar we explore the causes of stoma leakage, practical ways to help prevent it, and where to find additional support. 

Watch: Managing and Preventing Leakage with a Stoma - Sponsored by Convatec - YouTube

We're planning more free webinars over the coming months, covering a range of topics to support people living with a stoma. Keep an eye on your inbox and our social media channels for details of upcoming sessions and how to register.