Welcome to our August 2023 E-newsletter!

This month we look forward to the start of Step Up For Stomas, and some exciting new developments for our Rugby League team, plus highlight some brilliant stories from our Stoma Aware campaign.

We also announce dates for our new virtual Active Ostomates classes. 

As always we love hearing from you so if you have any comments or suggestions about how we can improve this newsletter please get in touch.

Looking to get moving again? Our Active Ostomates Virtual classes are returning this Autumn. 

Our Zumba, Pilates, Chair Yoga, Mindfulness & Meditation, and Yoga classes are all back this October. 
They are free to take part and hosted via zoom. To find out more or register for a class just click here 

Our Stoma Aware Star Lyn Morgan has been on a one woman crusade to make Leeds Stoma Friendly, so we were really excited when the BBC picked up on her story! 

Lyn was remarkably candid in describing the challenges she faced when looking for stoma-friendly toilets after her surgery, and her efforts have already led to several shopping centres and transport hubs joining our campaign. You can read Lyn's interview here 

In a further positive development for our campaign we were delighted to work with Southeastern Railway to upgrade all the accessible toilets at Stations across their network, ensuring that 71 stations are now Stoma Friendly, and also include Stoma Friendly signage.

Southeastern run one of the busiest rail networks in the country, carrying over 400,000 passengers a day on services between London and Kent, and parts of East Sussex, including the UK’s first domestic high-speed service. Find out more about our work with them. 

Lack of suitable toilet facilities for people living with a stoma is unacceptable, if you'd like to join our campaign for Stoma Friendly toilets please email getinvolved@colostomyuk.org with your name and address and we'll post you our Stoma Aware pack.

Try something new with us!

Exciting news for 2024! we are delighted to be introducing women’s and wheelchair rugby league teams to our Team Colostomy UK family.

Wheelchair Rugby Leagues genuinely the most inclusive sport of all – not solely a disability sport, as non-disabled people are welcome to compete as well, and both men and women, all ages, can play in the same team.

Women's Rugby League has grown massively over the last few years thanks to high profile coverage on the BBC and Sky Sports.

We are planning taster sessions for both teams  late in 2023, early in 2024 plus the opportunity to play in some festival style tournaments too.

If you would like to be involved or want more details on either of our new teams please email getinvolved@colostomyuk.org

Our Open age team, fresh from a 14-10 win against Bradford Bulls PDRL last month is next in action on September 9th at Chorley Panthers. The game kicks off at 12.45pm and admission is free. The team would love your support so if you're in Lancashire why not come and cheer them on. Full venue details can be found here 

From Adhesions to Hernias, our range of factsheets, leaflets and information booklets has got you covered. 

If you're looking for guidance and support to help you with the day to day challenges of managing your stoma why not check out our A-Z list by clicking here.  You’ll find lots of hints, tips and practical advice, along with links to articles and life stories.

Colostomy UK and Wrexham AFC are pleased to announce the STōK Cae Ras is now Stoma Friendly, with the clubs EFL return against MK Dons the first match where supporters could benefit from the upgraded accessible toilets, both in home and away areas. Read the full story here