Welcome to our January Newsletter

B&Q announces roll-out of stoma friendly toilets across stores nationwide

We’re delighted to share some fantastic news: B&Q has rolled out stoma-friendly toilets across its UK stores, helping to make everyday shopping more accessible for people living with a stoma.

Read the full story here colostomyuk.org/bq-stoma-friendly-toilets

Our Stoma Friendly Toilets listings are now live

We’re excited to launch our new Stoma-Friendly Toilet Locations Listings! These toilets include hooks, shelves, bins, and full-length mirrors, all designed with your comfort and dignity in mind. Explore the listings and plan your outings with confidence!

ColostomyUK.org

Our Active Ostomates – At Home online classes are back!

Starting February 25th, Eight weeks of Pilates, yoga, mindfulness and Chair Yoga all from the comfort of your own home! To find out more or sign up today, visit colostomyuk.org/active-ostomates And why not check out Carol’s story about how our classes supported her recovery: colostomyuk.org/carol-active-ostomates

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Fundraise for Colostomy UK in 2026

There are so many ways to support Colostomy UK through fundraising in 2026, whether you’re taking on a sponsored run, hosting a bake sale, organising a school fundraiser, braving a skydive, or planning your own unique challenge.

You can also get involved in our annual fundraising event, Step Up for Stomas, Active April. Keep an eye out - more details about Active April will be coming very soon!

Get in touch with our team on getinvolved@colostomyuk.org to start your fundraising journey today!

Get involved

My stoma saved my life: Bryony Gray’s Stoma Story

My stoma saved my life – Bryony’s story

“I hated what I saw in the mirror and struggled to accept my body. But with counselling, naming my stoma helped me stop blaming myself - and 12 years on, me and ‘Squirt’ are now best friends.”

Living with a stoma can change how you see your body and for Bryony Gray, that was one of the hardest parts. After emergency surgery for ulcerative colitis, her journey wasn’t just about recovery, but about rebuilding confidence, self-worth, and kindness towards herself.

Read Bryony’s story colostomyuk.org/my-stoma-saved-my-life-bryony-grays-stoma-story

Read full story

Helping someone with a stoma at home?

We’re offering a free online workshop for friends, family members, neighbours, and unpaid carers who want to understand the basics of stoma care.

The 90-minute Zoom session is delivered by an experienced stoma care nurse and provides practical guidance and confidence-building support.

📅 Available dates (20 places per session):
• 17 February – 10:00am
• 16 June – 6:00pm
• 13 October – 1:00pm

🎓 CPD accredited – all attendees will receive a CPD certificate on completion.

Register online

colostomyuk.org