Back in November 2018, we created the Bladder and Bowel Community Support Group on Facebook as a safe space for those with bladder and bowel problems to connect and support each other.
In recent weeks, we hit a major milestone with over 20,000 members in our group, regularly sharing your experiences, stories and advice with each other on a daily basis. We are now one of the biggest bladder and bowel support groups on Facebook, and continuously strive to maintain a friendly and accessible space for all.
We asked our community members why the group was so important to them and these are a few of the response (names are omitted to retain privacy)…
“This group are understanding, respectful, knowledgeable and have a sense of humour despite their conditions. I’ve learned so much about my illness and the advice, if you need it, is second to none. I’ve even found myself pointing my GP in the right direction with the virtual help from this group.”
– Support Group Member –
“This group has made me feel so welcome when I felt alone and didn’t know what to do. This group understands your problems and gives support the best they can. This group has really helped me.”
– Support Group Member –
“Having a safe space to talk about and normalise some really difficult times and symptoms we all have is invaluable. It’s so nice to not feel so alone.”
– Support Group Member –
“Folks can freely discuss and get help with various associated B&B problems without feeling embarrassed.”
– Community Reviewer –
“This support group is amazing and the members are so helpful and knowledgeable and supportive. I am pleased that I have found this group. Having been a member for over one and a half years I feel that I am not alone. Thank you Bladder and Bowel Community Support Group.”
– Support Group Member –
“This is the only place that understands the anguish of faecal incontinence, no judgement, no disgust, just good advice and virtual hugs. I was in a very dark place when I joined after a necrotic strangulated hernia repair left me with incontinence. But the information and guidance I have taken from the group delivered with respect and even humour sometimes has been invaluable. Thank you all.”
– Support Group Member –
“The Bladder and Bowel community lets me know I’m not alone and the group support helps tremendously. Everyone on here is so friendly, helpful and encouraging.”
– Community Reviewer –
Since the group was created it has gone from strength to strength, offering a judgement-free space for real people to share experiences and offer each other support.
Community Marketing Manager, Gemma Savory, who initially created the group said:
“We wanted to be able to offer a space where others could talk as we knew that support groups were lacking. The facebook group exploded straightaway with hundreds joining on the first night and it has grown steadily ever since. It has been a real pleasure to watch the community grow and the support that everybody offers to each other is phenomenal. It is the people in the group that make it a community.”
The support group relies on an attentive team of administrators to ensure the safety of all concerned, which is led by Community Support Manager, Penny Burridge.
Penny, who manages the support group week in week out said:
“Leading our Facebook Community Support Group is very rewarding. Seeing the ever-growing number of people who are unfortunately living with bladder and bowel conditions is a real eye opener.
Thankfully, the safe and non-judgemental environment of the group means that members can share their experiences and offer peer support and understanding anytime day or night. I am very grateful to our small team of Admin and Moderators who help keep the group running smoothly. And I am very proud of the group’s success and how it helps those who need it.”
We want to thank all of our wonderful members for making the group such a kind and understanding place to be and we look forward to welcoming another 20,000 members!
Find out more about our Facebook support group on our website, or join below.