Welcome to our March Newsletter

Morrisons become the first supermarket to introduce stoma-friendly toilets in all stores

Morrisons has introduced stoma friendly features in accessible toilets across all its stores in England, Scotland and Wales, working with Colostomy UK and using our guidance.

This national rollout shows how simple, practical changes can make it easier for people with a stoma to get out and about with confidence. It is a positive step towards more inclusive public spaces and a great example of a major retailer listening to the stoma community.

We are pleased to have supported Morrisons in making this happen and hope it encourages other organisations to follow their lead.

Read more about the partnership

B&Q partnership on the BBC

Earlier this month our campaigner Tony Beckingsale appeared on BBC News alongside Mollie Pearce to talk about our Stoma Friendly Toilets partnership with B&Q.

Working together, we are helping make toilet facilities more accessible and supportive for people living with a stoma, while raising awareness of why stoma friendly toilets matter.

Watch the full video. You can find stoma friendly toilets near you using our Toilet Finder.

Find a Stoma Friendly Toilet near you!

Our Step Up for Stomas, Active April annual fundraiser starts tomorrow, and there is still plenty of time for you to get involved! Full details are available over on our WEBSITE.

This year we are asking you to raise funds and Get Active in April to support the over 21,000 people who undergo stoma surgery every year in the UK, that’s 55 people every day!

Take inspiration from David who felt compelled to give back thanks to our support –

“Colostomy UK have been there for me when I needed help, support and a confidence boost. This is just my small way to say thank you and to repay my gratitude so that they can continue to be there for others to come”

Walk, run, skip, hop, swim 5.5k a day, rack up 5,500 steps, or take on 55 minutes of an activity most suited to you every day of April. Kickstart your fundraising journey TODAY!

SIGN UP TODAY!

Ostique Connect by Salts champions a holistic approach to life with a stoma. It’s designed to reduce isolation, boost confidence, and remind every user that they’re never alone.

With Ostique Connect, you don't just manage life with a stoma, you thrive with a community behind you.

Through 1:1 matching, community forums, and lived experience blogs, Ostique Connect by Salts creates a safe space to ask questions, share stories and learn from other ostomates who genuinely get it.

You can find out more about Ostique Connect by Salts here.

Download today on iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/ostique-connect/id6463715231

Download today on Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ostiqueltd.ostiqueconnect&hl=en_GB

International Women’s Day: Give to Gain

International Women’s Day on 8 March was a chance to celebrate women who create change.

This year’s theme, Give to Gain, reminded us that sharing experiences can spark real impact.

We celebrated women like Adele Roberts, Mollie Pearce, Louise Thompson and Tracey Emin, who have helped challenge stigma and open up conversations about living with a stoma.

Read the full story on our website

READ MORE

Have you seen the latest Tidings?

In case you missed it, the Tidings Spring 2026 edition is out now, packed with real stories, expert tips and inspiration for every stoma journey.

Inside this issue you will find practical wellbeing tips, the latest from Jo’s Diary, ways to get involved in Step Up for Stomas - Active April, and Yuri Nakajima’s powerful story of raising stoma awareness in Tokyo, as well as all the latest from Colostomy UK. Why not sign up to receive a regular copy straight to your inbox.

READ MORE

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Colostomy UK has been selected as one of the winners of the GSK Impact Awards, 2026.

This prestigious national award, run in partnership by GSK and The King’s Fund, recognises small charities making an outstanding contribution to health and wellbeing across the UK.

The judges praised our lived-experience leadership, peer-led support, stigma-busting campaigns and national impact. It’s a huge honour, and a powerful recognition of the work our staff, volunteers and community make possible every single day.

READ FULL ARTICLE

Support at your fingertips

Do you have questions about managing your stoma or wellbeing?

Looking to support a family member or friend?

Did you know you can get immediate advice Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm via our live chat which you can find by visiting our website and clicking on the speech bubble

READ MORE

Stoma Care Workshops for Individual Professionals

We’re pleased to offer two specialist Stoma Care Workshops in 2026, designed specifically for health and social care professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and confidence in stoma care.

These practical workshops provide valuable guidance, professional insight, and an opportunity to enhance the quality of care you provide.

📅 Workshop dates:

22 May 2026 at 2:00pm
11 September 2026 at 2:00pm

Cost: £20–£35 per person (depending on organisation)

Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to book early to secure your place.

Sign up below to reserve your spot.

SIGN UP TODAY!

colostomyuk.org