SUPPORT GROUPS

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Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two types of chronic illness for which support groups can be extremely beneficial. As anyone who has inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) knows, talking about symptoms like chronic pain, weakness, diarrhea, and bleeding are not topics which are usually discussed at social functions. Few people can understand the anxiety associated with the need to be near a bathroom, which many support groups know can be extremely beneficial. Obviously a support group serving the needs of people who have had surgery can be even more beneficial as support groups are about people helping each other to meet the daily challenges in their lives. Fundamental premises of support groups are that mutual or self-help groups serve two purposes: first, people with common concerns can gain strength as a group by pooling their resources, and secondly, people with a common problem can gain individual strength by communicating with others who have successfully coped with certain aspects of a chronic illness. Penny Steiner-Grossman, author of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: From Bench to Bedside (Baltimore: William's and Wilkins), states "People in similar circumstances can give support and encouragement to each other, share coping strategies, release negative feelings such as anger and guilt, strengthen self esteem, and dispel social isolation." WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU CONSULT YOUR LOCAL STOMA CARE NURSE FOR DETAILS OF ANY LOCAL GROUPS KNOWN TO HER. WE CAN ONLY OFFER YOU NATIONAL CONTACTS HERE. BRITISH COLOSTOMY ASSOCIATION 15, Station Road Reading BERKS RG1 1LB Kathy Richards - Director 01189 391537 www.bcass.org.uk   ILEOSTOMY ASSOCIATION National Secretary, Peverill House, 1-5, Mill Road, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim, BT39 9DR Anne Demick - Nat. Director 0800 018 4724 www.ileostomypouch.demon.co.uk NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR COLITIS AND CROHNS 4, Beaumont House Sutton Road St Albans HERTS AL1 5HH Mr Richard Driscoll - Nat. Director 01727 830038   UROSTOMY ASSOCIATION Buckland, Beaumont Park Danbury ESSEX CM3 4DE Nat. Sec: Miss Hazel Pixley 0870 770 7931 ua@centraloffice.fsnet.co.uk NATIONAL ADVISORY SERVICE FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH STOMAS 51 Anderson Drive Darvel AYRESHIRE KA17 0DE Sec: Mr John Malcolm 01560 322024 IBS NETWORK Northern General Hospital Sheffield S5 7AU 0114 261 1531