(Opinions expressed and writings and content are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of the IA)
Exciting times ahead.
I have joined the committee of the Notts & Derby Ileostomy Association. It is something that I have fancied doing for a few months now, I want to be able to help others by either helping fundraising of just be able to chat to new ostomates. The funny thing is I am now the young IA rep ( I know right? I must be the oldest Young IA rep ever). We meet every couple of months for a meal and a chat, courtesy of Helen who is our local Salts healthcare rep. ( Salts is a stoma appliance supplier among other healthcare things) we have a great evening checking out different pub foods and a glass of wine or beverage of your choice, in and around the Nottinghamshire area.
Everyone is lovely and were very welcoming at my first meeting. It was also agreed for me to take on the social media aspect, which I love anyway so it seemed the natural choice for me to offer.
The Notts & Derby branch also has regular meet ups for coffee and cake so if you are from these areas and would like to come along please have a look at our website for more information.  NOTTS AND DERBY IA
If you have twitter please follow @NottsDerbyIA and show your wonderful support.
We have a facebook page for young IA so please come and find us there at Young IA Notts and Derby.
You can join the association if you have an ileostomy or an internal pouch, but we also welcome anyone with any type of stoma, family members, friends and carers also welcome.
We joined in when Salts healthcare had a presentation of their new Confidence Be bags too, along with Colostomy UK. This was at an invitation event in Nottingham. I have decided to trial the confidence Be bags and so far they seem to work really well with some great new benefits.
Our AGM was well attended and we had lots of stoma suppliers present. Our new president, Mr Abercrombie, gave a very informative speech about the approach to surgery being carried across the UK – GIRFT ” Getting it right first time”, and the variations in patient care across those hospitals. It means that hopefully in the future, all patients from all hospitals will get the same high level of care no matter where you live. Which can only be a good thing.
If anyone would like more information about the Notts & Derby IA then please message me and I will be glad to help.
