The primary aim of the group is to support and help ostomy and pouch patients, and their families, return to a full and active life following radical bowel surgery. The majority of our members wear a surgical appliance, more commonly referred to as a "bag", or have an internal pouch.
Ostomy Mates (also registered as Swindon Ileostomy Association) is a local ostomy & pouch patient self help support group and a UK registered charity. The group was formed in 1980 by an enthusiastic group of people with stomas and our former president, Dr. Michael Hellier FRCP.
We meet frequently for talks, exhibitions, social events and, in addition, we support meetings that raise awareness of life with an ostomy.
The aim of our group is to help and support each other as needed as well as making new friends and having fun - it’s amazing how good it can be just to meet someone who really understands what you are experiencing.