The James Paget Ostomy Support Group will meet next month and if you have a Colostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy you are invited along.
The group – which has been established for almost 35 years – aims to provide advice and support to stoma patients living in Norfolk and Suffolk, and to provide an opportunity to meet up with others on a regular basis.
They also hold regular days out – with a Sheringham day trip planned for September.
The independent Group was set up in 1989 to advise and support patients of all ages and their partner/families before and after stoma surgery, and meets every three months – in January, April, July and October - for a social evening, which can include educational talks or information sessions and visits from ostomy companies to show the stoma products available. The group is run by a committee who are voted in by its members each year.
The next meeting is being held at Gorleston Golf Club, at Warren Road, off Links Road in Gorleston, on Thursday 18 July.
The venue means parking is free, and a bar is accessible, and the meetings include light bites and tea/ coffee, with donations to assist with catering accepted but not essential. The evening are usually 6.30pm for a 7pm start and they run until around 9pm – 9.30pm.
A colorectal surgeon and Stoma Nurses provide support to the group.
Sheila Howlett, a former stoma nurse who is the current group secretary, said new members were welcome.
“Our next meeting is being held at Gorleston Golf Club from 6.30pm on Thursday 18 July and if you have a Colostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy you’re invited to come and join us. You’re welcome to bring your partner or a friend if you would like to. This is an opportunity to talk to others who live with a stoma and to make new friends as well finding out more about the help and support available.”
The July meeting is being sponsored by Helen Sale from Salts Healthcare who will have a display and more details about the company’s ostomy products available.
In addition to the meeting, the group are also planning a bus trip to Sheringham on Wednesday 4 September – with free time in the town to shop, have lunch or visit some of the area’s attractions.
If you would like any further information about the meeting, the trip or the group please contact Sheila by emailing hshowlett@aol.com or call 01493 600934. To assist with catering arrangements for the meeting on Thursday 18th it would also be appreciated if you could let Sheila know if you are likely to attend by calling or emailing.
