Formerly known as the Ileostomy Association of Great Britain and Ireland, is a mutual support group which has the primary aim of helping people who have had their colon removed. It was started in 1956 by a group of people who had ileostomies themselves, together with some members of the medical profession. It was the first ostomy association in the United Kingdom and it is a registered national charity (no. 234472). The link is to the main website.

If you are one of the many individuals who have been offered or already have an ileo-anal pouch, then you will know what it feels like to take the decision to go ahead with the surgery - it's daunting. Ileo-anal pouch surgery, (or restorative procto-colectomy to give it the surgical term) is increasingly being offered to patients who require surgery to remove their colon( Large Bowel) following certain chronic bowel disorders such as Ulcerative Colitis and FAP. There are various forms of pouch, the J pouch, the S pouch, the W pouch and the kock pouch, however, most surgeons opt for the J pouch due to its "simple" construction. Unfortunately, some patients are not eligible to be offered the surgery due to the risk of increased complications following the surgery, such as those with Crohn's disease. For those patients, the only option is to have the affected part of the bowel removed with the possibility of having a permanent ileostomy if the colon is too badly damaged

Aims to support the association's younger members, and other young people, either pre-surgery or post-surgery, who undergo either an ileostomy or an internal pouch. At present ia's young members are defined as those under the age of 40. Young ia organises an annual social weekend when all young members are invited to come together to share experiences and make new friends. This is open to everyone.

Until recently The British Colostomy Association, is the national registered charity which represents the interests of people with a colostomy and which provides support, reassurance and practical information to ostomates and anyone who is about to have a colostomy.

This website is for people with (Inflammatory Bowel Disease - IBD) and their families

New Link to the UK charity for people who have, or are considering having, a pouch operation.