Not all stomas are the same. We are Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association, known as IA, the national charity specifically for people living with an ileostomy or internal pouch.
We will listen to you whenever you need us, answer your questions and support you every step of the way so you can enjoy life and be as active as you want to be.
Having major surgery to create an ileostomy or internal pouch can be life saving, but when you are told this is what you need it can be difficult to come to terms with. That’s why our charity, which started over 65 years ago, makes sure that no one in this situation ever needs to feel anxious, isolated or overwhelmed.
With information, bespoke one-to-one support and reassurance from our friendly, trained volunteers, plus advocacy to ensure our community’s voice is heard wherever it needs to be, we are here for you before and after your surgery, as well as further down the line. We are here for your family and carers, too.
Trusted support close to home
What makes IA unique is not only our extensive network of local groups across the UK and Ireland, but also that the majority of our management team, are themselves living life after surgery. All our volunteers have a stoma or internal pouch. This means they offer not just support but the lived experience—something tremendously valuable to our members and those considering surgery when faced with such a difficult decision to make.
An IA One2One Support Volunteer can meet you face-to-face in hospital, at home or at a mutually convenient place, or they can talk by telephone or email. We endeavour to match you by age, gender, surgery type and lifestyle preferences so that you know you will be speaking to someone similar to yourself. There really is no substitute for talking to someone who understands how you feel.
Welcome to our friendly community
Joining IA means you not only become a member of the first UK stoma patient support group but you join thousands of others who are looking for advice and support living with an ileostomy or internal pouch or caring for someone who does.
How we help:
- Information and tips
- One2One support
- Regional meetings and social events
- Regular 60-page magazine
- National Information Day, conference, exhibition and gala dinner
- Website and social media.
Mike Dyer, 37, IA member
‘I can’t say enough good things about IA. Getting the right support means I’ve accomplished more than I ever could have dreamed possible before I had my ileostomy. These days, when I feel like I’ve been run over by a bus it’s because I’ve just completed a Tough Mudder Infinity challenge – a full-on, multi-obstacle course race that’s 60km in total - not because I’m battling the dreadful symptoms that ruled my life for so long!’
Joining IA is really straightforward—find out more at www.iasupport.org or give us a call on 0800 0184 724.