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Urostomy Association

Support and information for people with, or considering, a urinary diversion

Support for you

Support for you

  • This photograph is of two women talking. It is the header image for the 'one to one support' page on the Urostomy Association's website

    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.

  • This is a photo of two people sitting in a cafe looking at a notebook. It is the header image for the FAQs page on the Urostomy Association's website.

    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.

  • This is a photo of a woman looking at a laptop. It is the header image for the Urostomy Association's page on webinars.

    ‘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.

  • This is a photo of a string of people cut out of paper. It is the header image for the 'local support' page on the Urostomy Association's website.

    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.

  • This photo is of someone holding a mobile phone. It is the header image on the 'Helpline' page of the Urostomy Association's website

    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.

  • This photo is of a couple looking at the mobile phone. It is the header image of the Urostomy Association's web page describing its 'Urostomy Association Help and Support' Facebook group

    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.

  • This is a photo of a laptop. On the screen are the covers of two editions of the Urostomy Association's magazine, The Journal

    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.

  • This photo is of a notepad with the word 'events' written on it. It is the header image for page on the Urostomy Association's website which describes the events which urostomates might like to attend

    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

  • This is a photo of a club, with lots of arms waving in the air. It is the header image for a blog post on the Urostomy Association's website looking at the impact on ketamine use on bladder health

    Beyond the high

    In her blog, Jasmine King explores the unexpected crisis unfolding in urology clinics nationwide as more young adults grapple with bladder issues tied to their recreational Ketamine use.

  • This is a photo of Gary Layzell in his football kit. It is the header image for his blog on the Urostomy Association's website in which he talks about how joining a walking football team helped restore his mental health post surgery/

    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.

  • This is a photo of Wil Andrews and his wife, Sue. They are sitting in a cafe. It is the header image for his blog entitled 'Tailored solutions' on the Urostomy Association's website

    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.

  • This is a photograph of Allen Rowlinson and his wife, Anneka. They're sitting side by side at a restaurant table, smiling at the camera. It is the header image of a page on the Urostomy Association's website entitled 'Cancer isn't going to beat me'!

    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.

  • This photo is of Lucy drinking an Aperol Spritz. It is the header image of Lucy's blog on the Urostomy Association's website

    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.

  • This is a photo of Lydia Makaroff, CEO of Fight Bladder Cancer. It is the header image for a guest blog on the Urostomy Association's website entitled 'Improving information and support for people with urostomies'

    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.

  • This is a photograph of Linda Trill. She is author of the 'Cruising with a urostomy' blog on the Urostomy Association website.

    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!

  • This is a photo of liquid that is a cloudy purple. It is the header image for the 'What is purple urinary bag syndrome' article on the Urostomy Association's website

    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.

  • This is a photo of John Cunningham who, along with his wife Wendy, is undertaking the Land's End to John O-Groats challenge, despite having two stomas. It is the header image for his blog on the Urostomy Association website.

    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.

Latest news

  • This is a photo of a computer screen which reads "Help uncover the real-life experiences of people living with urinary diversions. Share your experiences with our online survey".

    Insights survey

    Have 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 **

  • This is a photo of a medical consultation. It is the header image for a page on the Urostomy Association's website entitled 'Improving patient experience of diagnosis'

    Improving patients’ experiences of diagnosis

    We 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.   

  • This is a photo of a woman in a head scarf being comforted by another woman standing by. It is the header image for an article on the Urostomy Association's website entitled: 'Joining Cancer52 in launching a manifesto for rare and less common cancers'

    Launching rare and less common cancers manifesto

    The 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’.

  • This is a photo of some sterling currency, plus fountain pen, calculator and reading glasses. It is the header image for the 'Could you be our next treasurer' page on the Urostomy Association's website.

    Could you be our new Treasurer?

    Are 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!

  • This photo is of someone opening a bathroom door. It is the header image on the 'Boys need bins' campaign update page on the Urostomy Association's website

    Boys need bins – campaign update

    Our 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.

  • This photo is of healthcare workers in discussion. It is the header image for a news page from the Urostomy Association headed 'Supporting the manifesto for equitable healthcare'

    Supporting the Manifesto for Equitable Healthcare

    In 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.

  • This is a photo of a man sitting at a breakfast table. It is the image at the top of a news page on the Urostomy Association's website. The news article relates to a survey being conducted by Hollister on peristomal skin complications amongst the ostomy community.

    Understanding peristomal skin conditions: survey

    Urostomy Association supports Hollister Ltd in promoting a new survey to gain a deeper understanding of individuals’ personal experiences of peristomal skin complications.

  • This is a photo of three people in consultation around a table. It is the header image to illustrate a news item titled 'Position statement from the Urostomy Association in response to the consultation – ‘Medical Devices in Primary Care Proposals for Updating Part IX of the Drug Tariff’.

    UA response to Part IX Drug Tariff consultation

    The UA responds to the consultation from the Dept of Health and Social Care around modernisation of Part IX of the ‘Drug Tariff’

  • This photo is of the Downing Street road sign. It is the header image for the Urostomy Association's news page in which is calls on the Chancellor to provide an immediate support package for people living with ill health or disability experiencing cost-of-living difficulties

    UA calls for ‘immediate support’ for people facing ill health and disability

    The 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

    An update on our Safe Spaces pilot project, helping venues become more urostomy aware.

Support our work

  • This is a photo of a person at sunset holding a bunch of balloons which make up a heart shape. It is the header image for the Urostomy Association's Help provide hope appeal page

    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.

  • This is a photo of a man looking at his mobile phone with expectation. He is surrounded by stars. It is the header image for the Urostomy Association's 200 + Club web page

    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!

  • This is a photo of two people sitting in a library talking. The woman in the green top, facing the camera, is laughing. The woman with her back to the camera has the word 'volunteer' written on the back of her t-shirt

    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.

  • This is a photo of a group of people making heart shapes with their hands. It is the header image for the 'How your money helps' page on the Urostomy Association's website.

    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…

  • This is a photograph of a bunch of forget me nots, shaped into a heart. It is the header image for the 'Remember someone special' page on the Urostomy Association's website

    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.

  • This picture is of a pair of hands holding a heart symbol. It is the header image for the 'make a regular donation' page on the Urostomy Association website.

    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.

  • This is a photo of a birthday cake, with candles being lit. It is the header image of a page on the Urostomy Association's website which encourages readers to donate in celebration.

    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.

  • This photo is of a woman being advised on leaving a gift in her will to charity. It is the header image for the Urostomy Association's information page on leaving a gift in your will.

    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

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