Quick links
Support for you
Online support group meetings
We offer online support group meetings giving participants the opportunity to hear from experts, share experiences and tips, and seek advice from others who truly understand.
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.
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
Back in my happy place
Maureen was 65 when a routine procedure revealed bladder cancer, leading to the complete removal of her bladder and the fitting of a urostomy. For Maureen – a passionate cyclist, Breeze Leader, and one of Cycling UK’s Top 100 Women in Cycling – giving up her beloved sport was never an option. Read her honest and inspiring account of life with a urostomy.
From pain to positivity
After nearly three decades of living with interstitial cystitis and relentless pain, Peter chose to undergo bladder removal surgery in 2024. It was a daunting decision. This is his story of anxiety, resilience and recovery – and why, despite his fears, he has no regrets.
From survival to self-acceptance: Billy’s journey with a urostomy
Billy is a self-described outdoorsman, spending weekends chasing Scottish summits. That all changed when he was diagnosed with cancer of the caecum. He shares his story which shows that life after a urostomy can be not just full, but fearless.
Life is good
When Tony first noticed blood in his urine in 2000, he had no idea it would lead to a diagnosis of advanced bladder cancer and major surgery. Six months later, he began life with a urostomy — and a determination to make sure others are diagnosed sooner. His story is one of resilience, advocacy, and living well after cancer.
Silver linings after surgery
From diagnosis to recovery and beyond, Nicky’s story highlights the ups and downs of life after surgery – and the powerful role of friendship, local support, and creativity in finding hope and confidence again.
Taking the plunge
Urostomate Jackie Hannay is passionate about swimming. Having survived bladder cancer, she found herself longing to get back in the water, but first, she had to overcome her fear and embarrassment of swimming with a urostomy.
My Miles of Hope challenge
Paul took part in the Miles of Hope challenge to raise funds for the UA. He said “With the charity being such trusted support for urostomates needing advice or a listening ear, it is my way of giving something back.”
Innovating to improve patients’ care and confidence
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire are pioneering a new approach to patient care, with dedicated Urostomy Practitioner, Donna Wilson.
Dani’s story of hope
Dani was working as a cardiac nurse, with lots of hobbies and plans to get married. But, at the age of 26, she started feeling really unwell and developed a limp too. In her blog, Dani shares her story of hope.
Finding peace of mind
After facing bladder cancer, heart surgery, and the challenges of living with a urostomy, Ian See shares his inspiring journey of resilience. From finding the right pouch to inventing a portable stoma-changing platform, he’s turned difficulties into practical solutions. Now, at 85, Ian continues to embrace life with positivity, independence, and determination.
Latest news
A welcome step for rare and less common cancers
4 February 2026We welcome the launch of the National Cancer Plan for England, which, for the first time, gives rare and less common cancers – including bladder cancer – a dedicated focus within a national strategy.
Research highlights what urostomates need from NHS medical devices
15 January 2026In Nov 24, the Department of Health and Social Care commissioned
National Voices (of which the UA is a member) to deliver research to better understand patient experience of medical devices prescribed under Part IX of the NHS Drug Tariff. This report contains the research findings.
Join our new lottery!
12 November 2025We’re delighted to announce the launch of our brand-new Urostomy Association Unity Lottery – an exciting way for you to support our vital work and be in with a chance to win up to £25,000 every week!
World Mental Health Day 2025
9 October 2025This World Mental Health Day, we want to celebrate and thank our brilliant volunteers who give their time, empathy and understanding to provide confidential, one-to-one support for people who may be feeling anxious, isolated or overwhelmed.
World Ostomy Day 2025
3 October 2025To mark World Ostomy Day 2025, we’re celebrating the contributions of all the urostomates who have shared their stories with us. By sharing their experiences, they’re providing encouragement and reassurance to others at the beginning of their urostomy journeys.
Julie’s story inspires in My Weekly!
29 September 2025We’re excited to announce that Julie Mason-Wright, cover star of Spring 25’s Journal, has shared her incredible journey in My Weekly magazine.
New online support group launched
13 September 2025This autumn, we’re launching a series of online support group meetings, giving urostomates a chance to connect with others, share experiences, and swap tips – without leaving the comfort of home.
Change starts with a will
1 September 2025This Autumn we’ve joined Octopus Legacy in its new ‘Change starts with a will’ campaign. Spanning September and October, the campaign encourages people to write a will, or consider whether their current one needs updating.
Help Provide Hope Campaign
1 August 2025September is Urology Awareness Month – and it’s time to take our Help Provide Hope Appeal up a level! You can get involved in one, or all, of these three powerful ways …
Rising pressures, complex cases
10 July 2025A growing number of young people in the UK are facing devastating bladder damage due to their recreational ketamine use. The UA is launching a new study to investigate the incidence and impact of ‘Ketamine Bladder’, both on the users themselves, and the services which support them.
Support our work
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.
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.
Join our new lottery!
12 November 2025We’re delighted to announce the launch of our brand-new Urostomy Association Unity Lottery – an exciting way for you to support our vital work and be in with a chance to win up to £25,000 every week!
Shop to support
By shopping through easyfundraising or Give as you Live, thousands of your favourite brands will donate a percentage of what you spend directly to us. It’s quick, simple, and completely free!
Fundraise for us
There are many ways to get involved in fundraising for us; we’ll support you every step of the way and spend every penny you raise with care.
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?
Give as you earn to make a difference
Payroll giving is a straightforward, tax-effective way you can donate regularly to help ensure that no one facing surgery for a urinary diversion, or recovering after their operation, feels isolated or overwhelmed.
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.
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.