email support groups

Sometimes we all need a bit of help and it’s good to talk, especially to someone who knows how we feel. Here are three ways to connect with others dealing with IBD - just pop an email to support@cicra.org for more information, or contact us.

Very Early Onset IBD (VEOIBD) for parents with children under 9 years old

The challenges facing parents with younger children can be very different to those with teenagers: weaning, potty training, nursery, starting school, medication and how to explain the condition can all be daunting. Sharing your thoughts, questions and tips with other parents in a similar situation can be beneficial and reassuring.

> get in touch if you are a parent of a child under 9, diagnosed with any form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Stoma and J-Pouch for parents and children/teenagers

Many children with Crohn’s, colitis and IBDU will never need surgery. However, if you do it can be daunting and a bit scary. Chatting to someone your own age who understands how you feel can be both positive and helpful.

If you are a young CICRA member who has had surgery and would like to join a group to chat, share experiences and support each other by e-mail, please get in touch. Your experiences could provide valuable reassurance and support to others.

Please send a short paragraph about yourself and your interests that can be included on the group. We will only ever use your first name and CICRA membership number. Everyone taking part will be a member of CICRA.

The group will be run in a very similar way to our successful E-Pals scheme, the paragraph about yourself will be included on a list with other children taking part, you choose the children you would like to write to, we then forward them your e-mail address and ask them to get in touch.

We hope our surgery, stoma & j-pouch group will offer informal emotional and practical support through surgery and beyond.

If you would like to join-in or have any questions about the group, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

> Please also get in touch if you are a parent of a child with a stoma or J-pouch or your child is facing surgery and you want to know more, or speak to another parent whose child has had surgery and a stoma or j-pouch fitted.