Ostomy Awareness Day: More Than Just A Bag

Every year, Ostomy Awareness Day is a moment to pause and think about the thousands of people living with a stoma. For many, it’s a life-saving operation that also means learning new routines and facing fresh challenges. This day is about raising awareness, breaking stigma, and showing that life after stoma surgery can still be lived with dignity, comfort, and confidence.

Over the years, we’ve supported many people living with a stoma, each with their own story. Everyone’s journey is different, but the need for dignity, comfort, and a little extra care is always there.

 Ostomy Awareness Day, a day to raise understanding, support, and positivity

We’re not here to give medical advice, but we are here to make daily life simpler. With stress-free prescription deliveries and an e-blog full of guides and trusted resources, our focus is on taking away some of the weight, so people feel more supported day to day.

What is an ostomy?

An ostomy is an operation that creates a stoma—an opening in the body to pass waste when the usual route isn’t working anymore. Sometimes it’s temporary, sometimes it’s permanent, depending on the condition.

The main types are:

• Colostomy – where waste comes from the colon

• Ileostomy – where waste comes from the small intestine

• Urostomy – which drains urine from the bladder

People may need an ostomy for different reasons: bowel cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, an injury, or a condition they’ve had since birth.

It’s not just about having a bag; it’s about finding new routines, adapting emotionally, and learning how to feel comfortable and confident again.

The quiet challenges people face

For many, a stoma brings a mix of relief and uncertainty. While it can improve or even save lives, it also brings challenges that aren’t always easy to see:

• Body image worries – getting used to changes in appearance

• Emotional ups and downs – feelings of anxiety or loneliness

• Social concerns – worries about leaks, odour, or what others might think

• Lifestyle shifts – changes in diet, clothing, or travel plans

On the outside, someone may “look fine,” but inside they could be carrying a lot. That’s why awareness and kindness matter so much.

How to support someone with a stoma

You don’t need to know the medical side to be supportive. What helps most is care, patience, and small acts of kindness. A few simple ways include:

• Listening – let them share in their own words

• Being patient – it takes time to adjust physically and emotionally

• Not assuming – instead of giving advice, ask how you can help

• Normalising – talking openly helps reduce stigma

• Offering practical help – a check-in, an errand, or just being there makes a difference

  
  

If you’re a colleague or employer, little things like flexibility and understanding can go a long way.

Everyday tips for living with a stoma

Here are some tips people often find helpful when adjusting to life with a stoma:

1. Find a routine – changing your pouch at the same time each day can help prevent leaks.

2. Look after your skin – keep the area clean and dry before applying a new pouch.

3. Plan ahead for travel – carry spares, wipes, and disposal bags.

4. Eat mindfully – keep a diary, chew well, and drink plenty of fluids.

5. Stay connected – groups like Colostomy UK or IA Support can be great sources of advice and reassurance.

6. Be gentle with yourself – healing takes time; celebrate small wins.

Why awareness matters

Ostomies are often surrounded by silence. Some people feel awkward talking about them or worry about being judged. But by raising awareness, we can:

• Break down taboos and stigma

• Encourage people to seek help sooner

• Support emotional wellbeing

• Help create communities where every health journey is respected

Talking about it openly helps turn silence into understanding.

How we try to help

We may not be here to give medical advice, but we can help in other ways—by making the practical side of living with a stoma less stressful. That means:

• Discreet, reliable NHS prescription deliveries

• Complementary items with a first order to make daily care easier

• Friendly support when you need help with supplies

• Simple, clear communication with no jargon

• Fast service so you’re never left waiting

It’s never just about sending a package. It’s about building trust through the little details that make life smoother and showing that care is always at the heart of what we do.

If you’d like regular updates, tips, and resources, you can subscribe to our e-blog; it’s where we share easy reads and trusted links that can make life with a stoma feel a little lighter.

And if you have feedback, ideas, or simply want to share your thoughts, our Contact Us page is always open. Every bit of feedback helps us keep improving the way we support you.

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A thought to leave you with

Living with a stoma takes a lot of courage and patience. Ostomy Awareness Day is a chance for all of us to show compassion, raise awareness, and remind people they are seen and supported.

Whether you’re living with a stoma yourself, caring for someone, or simply learning more, your understanding makes a difference. Together, we can build a world where living with a stoma is met with respect, pride, and kindness.