How to Get Online Ostomy Support During COVID-19

As social distancing measures continue, you may require access to physical and mental wellness support. If you are looking for some local support or resource, your stoma nurse is likely to know of options available within the area you live.

Online communities offer a chance to connect with people who understand what it is like to live with a stoma. Many people find it useful to connect with people sharing tips and drawing on their own experiences.

Stoma support groups, patient associations and forums are often useful ways of accessing peer support.

Charities and associations

Many charities and trusts offer stoma support. Here are local options:

Irish Society for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease
The Irish Society for Colitis and Crohn's Disease (ISCC) is a support organisation in Ireland for people who are living with, or impacted by, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD). We are here to support people who are living with IBD, along with their parents, partners, family and friends. We work to improve the quality of life and well-being of the IBD community through sensitive support services, including advocacy, provision of information, training and events.  We aim to encourage and educate healthcare professionals in the importance and value of peer support as an adjunct to their management of IBD.  

Ostomy Associations of Ireland
Ostomy Association of Ireland is a nonprofit organization that supports, people who have a stoma or internal pouch or who are about to have surgery. If you are looking for a local support group, please see our group page, which lists all the active local groups. All the groups have contact details. Please feel free to contact the group that you are interested in. The contact person, will be happy to give you details of meeting times, location and dates, for their specific group.

You may access NHS portal to find support groups in your local area.

Further information

There is valuable guidance and information on stoma care in the Hollister Ostomy Learning Centre.