…about stomas, colostomies, ileostomies & urostomies

A friendly self-help group for anyone with a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy — and for the people who care about them.

We have been supporting local people in Nottingham for over 25 years. There is no charge, no need to book, and no need to say anything at all if you would rather just listen.

Around fifteen members of the group sitting in a circle of chairs in the community centre hall, turned towards the camera and smiling. Mugs of tea rest on the floor beside them. Two faces are blurred for privacy.

Come along…

When and where we meet

When
Third Saturday of every month
Time
10am – 12 noon
Cost
Free — just turn up
Where
Dunkirk & Lenton Community Centre The Old School, Nottingham NG7 2JW

Partners, family and friends are very welcome. See the community centre website for the venue, or ask us for directions if that would help.

Who we are…

Mutual support and friendship

Our group aims to reduce feelings of isolation and stress through mutual support and friendship.

We share experiences and practical suggestions for coping with life with a stoma.

Our group gives you a chance to chat with people who have ‘been there’ and can help.

Did you know that 100,000 people in the UK have a stoma — all ages, from all communities and all walks of life?
Our group has been supporting local people with colostomies, ileostomies and urostomies for the last 25 years.

In their own words…

There’s nothing like talking to someone who’s been there

  • Until I went to the group I’d never met anyone else with a stoma.

  • I was worried about how I’d manage on holiday. Then I spoke to a group member who’d just come back from a fortnight in Greece.

  • It was so good to talk to someone who knew how I felt because they had a colostomy too!

  • There’s nothing like talking to someone who’s been there.

What we can help with…

Living well with a stoma

The things people most often want to talk about — the practical, everyday questions that are hard to ask anywhere else.

  • Newly diagnosed

    What to expect before and after surgery, and what those first few weeks are really like.

  • Appliances & skin care

    Finding a bag that suits you, leaks, sore skin, and what to do when something stops working.

  • Food & diet

    What other members have found settles well, and how to reintroduce the things you miss.

  • Travel & holidays

    Flying, supplies, travel certificates, insurance and radar keys — from people who have done it.

  • Work, clothes & sport

    Getting back to work, swimming, the gym, and what to wear when nothing feels right yet.

  • Relationships & confidence

    Intimacy, telling people, and rebuilding confidence in your own body.

Please note: we are a peer support group, not a clinical service. Nothing on this website is medical advice. If you are unwell or worried about your stoma, contact your stoma care nurse or GP, call NHS 111, or in an emergency call 999.

Useful contacts…

National charities and helplines

  • Colostomy UK

    Support, advice and advocacy for people with a stoma.

    0800 328 4257 Freephone
  • IA

    The Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Support Group.

    0800 018 4724 Freephone
  • Urostomy Association

    Support for people living with a urostomy or urinary diversion.

    01386 430140
  • Find us on Facebook

    Group news, meeting reminders and a friendly place to ask questions.

    facebook.com/StomaSupportGroup

More info…

Get in touch

Ring or email us with any question, however small. You do not have to give your name, and you will be talking to someone who has a stoma too. Please note we are a peer support group, not a clinical service. If you are unwell or worried about your stoma, contact your stoma care nurse or GP, call NHS 111, or in an emergency call 999.

Telephone
0115 778 6463