Staying safe and healthy during the Festive Season is important for many reasons, and this goes for mental as well as physical health. Making sure you see your friends and family can go a long way towards making winter more enjoyable, so we’ve pulled together some of key services to save you time, and help you get the most out of the festivities.
Bladder & Bowel Community is dedicated to supporting you throughout the year – we’re proud to offer services 365 days of the year, with support available almost every day. We’re a community that’s here because of you, as well as for you. As part of our commitment we wanted to remind you of the services you can access throughout the year, so that you can get back to living life to the fullest.
Bladder & Bowel Support Group
Living with a bladder or bowel condition can feel isolating, because not everyone will understand what it’s like. Because our health is so personal, it’s also difficult to find people who will be able to relate to. Not everyone understands how debilitating these conditions can be and how they affect everyday lives.
Being able to talk – especially someone who shares your experiences – can be a great help and a great relief in that you are not alone. Our Facebook Group will be available during the Festive season to help you access support when you need it.
Please note, our moderators will need a little time with their friends and families – so the group will be closed on 25th and 26th December. Thank you for helping us keep our team healthy too, as they continue to support you into the New Year.
Our Closed Facebook Group is run by moderators who are there to ensure security of all involved. The group has over 21,000 members, all with experience in different conditions affecting the bladder or bowel.
Home Delivery One Stop Shop
At this time of year, our Home Delivery Team work extra hard to ensure you have everything you need for the festive period. If you haven’t already, place your order and allow for extras if you’re worried about running out of anything.
If you need to speak to your personal advisor, simply request a callback via our website.
Printable Guides
We’ve been updating and improving our downloadable guides, to offer a clearer set of detailed information that helps you understand how your body works, and what to do if things go wrong. Each one has been curated specifically for patients, to help you understand the symptoms you may be experiencing, and the treatment or management options available.
We’re always improving this section of our website, so be sure to check back frequently.
Just Can’t Wait Card
During the holiday season it’s common to find yourself in. new places, or outside of your usual routine. This means that finding a toilet can get pretty stressful.
Your Just Can’t Wait card is there to help you in your moment of need. If you haven’t already, download yours to your Smartphone now. It’s free!
Stay Connected
We hope that our community might just help you stay a little more connected during lockdown. It’s a difficult time for all, whether you are front line NHS staff, essential key workers, directly affected by Coronavirus (or know someone who is), shielding or feeling cut off from the world.
Where to get help
As with any ailment whether physical or mental, the first port of call should be your GP as they will be able to refer you for the right help. For more immediate help, there are helplines where you can speak to trained advisors about your mental health.
- Mind charity supports better mental health. Infoline: 0300 123 3393
- British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) has a directory of where you can access local counsellors and psychotherapists
- Spokz People provide therapeutic support for disabled people
- You can access your urgent local 24 hour NHS mental health helpline by following the prompts of this online form
- Samaritans – if you’re struggling with feelings of despair or don’t know where to turn, contact the Samaritans 116 123 (24h helpline)
- IESO – Online CBT therapy via the NHS in order to beat depression or anxiety.
You can always contact us for questions on any of the above services should you need. Get in touch >
Stay home, stay safe, stay healthy.
– Bladder & Bowel Community Team