Support for you
One to one support
Having a urinary diversion can be daunting, but our trained volunteers can provide reassuring, confidential one to one support, by telephone, face-to-face or through our branches and groups. All our volunteers are urostomates themselves, so can understand your concerns.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re facing, or living with a urinary diversion, you’ve probably got lots of questions. Do check out our FAQs and see if we can help.
‘Meet the experts’ webinars
Whether you’re considering or already have a urinary diversion, you may have questions about how this might affect your life. We’ve been designing a series of webinars to explore some of the most common topics.
Local support
In some areas of the UK, local groups offer mutual support and information. These groups have a range of in-person and online meetings.
Helpline
It’s not unusual to feel anxious when you have, or are facing, a urinary diversion. And it isn’t always easy to talk to family and friends. But don’t worry, you can call our helpline for support, advice and help.
Facebook group
Why not join our Urostomy Association Help and Support Group? It is a supportive community for people living with a urinary diversion or preparing for their surgery. Family members and carers will also find it a helpful.
The Journal
Packed with real life stories, advice, support, top tips and much more, The Journal is written exclusively for people living with, or facing, a urinary diversion. It is published three times a year and available digitally or through your door.
Attend an event
You may like getting together to share tips and experiences. Knowing that others understand what life is like with a urinary diversion can be empowering. On our events page you can see what’s being organised by our groups, branches, suppliers and others.
The urostomy blog
Restoring my mental health
For Gary Layzell, adapting to life with a urostomy has been as much about looking after his mind and emotions as it has regaining physical fitness post surgery. Both mentally and physically, he has found new strength from sport and camaraderie that is helping him face the future with hope.
Tailored solutions
Since his surgery in 2019, urostomate Wil has gradually got back to enjoying an active lifestyle again, from cycling to gardening and going on holiday. In his blog, he shares the creative solutions he has found to help him overcome challenges he has faced along the way.
Understanding and managing mucus
The production of mucus is normal and healthy. It is part of living with a urostomy. However, the overproduction of mucus can be a common concern among urostomates. In his blog, Paul Russell-Roberts explores what’s normal and what might require a trip to the GP or stoma care nurse.
Cancer isn’t going to beat me!
Allen Rowlinson was diagnosed with bladder cancer in June 2010, aged just 52. In his blog, Allen shares how, thanks to support from family, friends and professionals, he has got back to enjoying life and feeling himself again.
Loving life again
Faced with cervical cancer for the second time, Lucy had a urostomy to give her the very best chance of surviving. Now thriving, she’s sharing her story to show that having a urinary diversion doesn’t need to stop you embracing the life you want to live.
Improving information and support for people with urostomies
Research from Fight Bladder Cancer sheds light on significant gaps in patient education, particularly regarding the impact of urinary diversions on sexual health. In this guest blog, Dr Lydia Makaroff, shares some of the research findings.
Cruising with a urostomy
Linda had a cystectomy in October 2023. In her blog, Linda shares how she and her husband were determined to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with a Rhine river cruise which involved a hotel stay, plane travel and eight nights on the boat. It was a packing challenge!
Purple urinary bag syndrome
If you wake up one morning and find that the urine in your catheter or night drainage bag has suddenly turned purple it can be very alarming. In this blog, Katie Sainsbury explores the possible causes, treatments and preventions.
Walk of hope and gratitude
John Cunningham has not only a urostomy but a colostomy too. Now he and his wife, Wendy, are embarking on the Land’s End to John O’Groats challenge to show there can be life after cancer and that you can still achieve your goals, even living with two stomas.
Managing night drainage: your questions answered
Getting a good night’s sleep is not always straightforward for people living with a urostomy due to the worry of leaks at night. In this blog, stoma care nurse Michaela Parker answers urostomates’ most frequently asked questions.
Latest news
Insights survey
30 August 2024Have your say! Take part in our ‘Life with a urinary diversion: insights survey’ to help pinpoint the strengths and gaps in urinary diversion care.
** This survey has now closed **
Improving patients’ experiences of diagnosis
27 June 2024We are a member of National Voices, a coalition of more than 200 like-minded charities. We have joined together to launch a collaborative vision for improving patients’ experience of the diagnosis process.
Launching rare and less common cancers manifesto
3 May 2024The Urostomy Association has joined with Cancer52 and others in the release of ‘The Other Half. A manifesto to transform outcomes for people with rare and less common cancers’.
Could you be our new Treasurer?
31 March 2024Are you as good with figures as you are with people, and keen to make a difference as a volunteer? Do you care about people adapting to life with a urinary diversion? If so, you could be the Treasurer we’re seeking!
Boys need bins – campaign update
28 February 2024Our Boys need Bins campaign continues to go from strength to strength, as we call for male sanitary bins to be available in men’s toilets UK-wide. This way, men with incontinence can dispose of their sanitary waste easily, safely and with dignity.
Supporting the Manifesto for Equitable Healthcare
19 February 2024In what is likely to be an election year, we are proud to join National Voices in its Manifesto for Equitable Healthcare, putting forward three general election priorities.
Understanding peristomal skin conditions: survey
17 January 2024Urostomy Association supports Hollister Ltd in promoting a new survey to gain a deeper understanding of individuals’ personal experiences of peristomal skin complications.
UA response to Part IX Drug Tariff consultation
5 January 2024The UA responds to the consultation from the Dept of Health and Social Care around modernisation of Part IX of the ‘Drug Tariff’
UA calls for ‘immediate support’ for people facing ill health and disability
22 November 2023The UA joins forces to call for immediate support to alleviate the cost-of-living impact on people most affected.
An update on our Safer Spaces Pilot Project
6 November 2023An update on our Safe Spaces pilot project, helping venues become more urostomy aware.
Support our work
Help provide hope appeal
Being told that you will never wee normally again is terrifying. Most people have never heard of a urinary diversion, and simply cannot imagine going through life without a functioning bladder. That’s why we’re running our Help provide hope appeal.
200+ Club prize draw
Play our 200+ Club, and do great things! You will be helping to bring support and reassurance for people facing or following a urinary diversion, while being in the chance to win yourself up to £250!
Volunteer with us
Make a difference – join our valued volunteers! Kind hearted and community spirited, our valued volunteers are the lifeblood of the Urostomy Association.
How your money helps
We are grateful for every gift we receive. Whether this be a first donation, regular monthly gift, a funeral collection, a gift in celebration, or following some fantastic fundraising. Please know we spend every penny with great care. See how your money helps…
Remember someone special
We are always touched to receive in memory donations. Whether this is through a funeral collection or fundraising event, we will ensure your gift goes toward supporting urostomates and their loved ones, wherever they are on their personal journey.
Make a regular donation
Regular, monthly donations are crucial because life with a urinary diversion can feel daunting. It’s vital that people have somewhere to turn for reassurance, from diagnosis to living life to the full again. We provide that support, but can only do so with kind donations.
Giving in celebration
Giving in celebration is an uplifting way to raise funds and make a real difference to the lives of people living with urinary diversions. By asking your loved ones to make a donation instead of giving presents, you can promote and support our ongoing work.
Gifts in wills
Since the Urostomy Association began in 1971 we’ve supported thousands of people living with a urinary diversion. Will you leave a gift in your Will, so we can continue provide reassurance to anxious people long into the future?
Friends and partners
Advertising disclaimer: The Urostomy Association has no control over the content of any external links. The display, description or demonstration of products and services on this page or within this site does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of these products or services by the Urostomy Association.