The first World Ostomy Day was created by Professor Dr Gerhard Englert, then President of the International Ostomy Association, in 1993. His goal was to raise awareness of people with a stoma, and improve their quality of life via public acceptance. The community now celebrate Ostomy Awareness Day each year on the first Saturday in October.
For the estimated 205,000 ostomates* in the UK today, stigma can still make stomas hard to talk about. That silence can leave people living with a stoma feeling isolated. Ostomy Awareness Day is about changing that: showing what life with a stoma really looks like, and making sure everyone knows there’s a community and support behind them.
*Gilpin V, McCann C, Magee N, Rosbotham EJ, Leonties S, Pourshahidi LK, Gill CIR, Simpson EEA, McCreadie K, Nelson S-J, Davis J. National Prescribing Patterns in Stoma Care Across the United Kingdom: A Prescription Cost Analysis with Health Policy Implications. Healthcare 2026;14(18):3019
Your ostomy doesn’t limit you.
Having a stoma doesn’t mean giving up the things you love. Our ambassadors are living proof. Press play and hear how their stoma has let them live their lives, not limited them.
To celebrate World Ostomy Day 2026, Nikki explains why ostomy awareness so important for people with stomas to live their life to the fullest.
Read their StoryHaving a stoma is life-changing but not life-limiting. When the going gets tough, there will always be someone willing to help you.
Whether you’re preparing for stoma surgery, have recently had it, or simply want to learn more about your own stoma; hearing from others can make living your life as an ostomate feel less daunting. Explore stories from ostomates about their own experiences.
You have woken up post-surgery to a new addition surgically attached to your stomach.
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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: having stoma surgery is life-changing.
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Life with a stoma doesn’t mean giving up the things you love.
Read Article You have woken up post-surgery to a new addition surgically attached to your stomach.
Read Article I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: having stoma surgery is life-changing.
Read Article Life with a stoma doesn’t mean giving up the things you love.
Read Article
Our stoma advice & support section is here to support you through every stage of life with a stoma.
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Meet the influential voices in the ostomy community that empower others to live their life with a stoma to the fullest!
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Mental health touches every part of our lives, which is why we’ve created a hub of resources, stories and support to help you navigate the emotional side of life with a stoma.
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