Personalised Care: Signposting and Peer Support

Peers and the voluntary sector can be a highly valued source of support throughout someone’s life with IBD. Peer support can help people feel more knowledgeable, confident and happy, and less isolated and alone.

Voluntary organisations can offer valuable services, tools and support – from practical, high quality information, including packs specifically designed for people who are newly diagnosed, to helplines and peer support. Consider whether your patients could benefit from:

  • talking to or meeting with others with a similar condition?
  • prescribing a programme that could bring them into contact with more people in their community and having new experiences (social prescribing)?
  • being able to access further information and support about self-management and living well outside their clinic appointments?

Resources

Crohnscolitisuk

Crohn's & Colitis UK

With over 40,000 members, Crohn’s & Colitis UK provides high quality information and practical support through award-winning information and a helpline. They work with the UK health sector and campaign to raise awareness. In addition, people can explore opportunities to meet new people who also living with IBD through their local networks.
Transition

CICRA – better lives for children with Crohn’s and Colitis

CICRA support research into better treatments, supporting children and families with relevant information and advice, working with health professionals to improve care, and giving children a voice to increase public understanding of Crohn's and Colitis.
Surgery-by-specialist

Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association

IA is a registered charity that supports people living with an ileostomy or internal pouch, their families, friends and carers.