At Herts Ability, we’re proud to be Stoma Aware and committed to supporting individuals living with a stoma. This isn’t just a statement for us – it’s personal. With one of our team members being an Ostomate, we have firsthand experience of how life with a stoma impacts everyday activities, including independence and mobility.
As our team member shares:
“Two and a half years on from the surgery that resulted in acquiring a stoma, I’ve returned to most of my daily tasks and am managing well. Working at Herts Ability has helped, as I’m surrounded by people with diverse experiences and a wealth of knowledge. More importantly, it is a supportive environment, which helps when things get hard.”
This journey highlights the resilience of those living with a stoma, but also sheds light on the real challenges they face. At Herts Ability, we’re doing our part to help.
How Does Living with a Stoma Affect Independence?
One of the most significant challenges people living with a stoma face is the risk of social exclusion. Social exclusion refers to being left out of society’s social, economic, political, and cultural systems that support full integration. For many Ostomates in the UK, this exclusion arises from various factors, particularly the lack of suitable toilet facilities and general public awareness.
According to research, 62% of people with a stoma report that the lack of accessible toilets significantly impacts their day-to-day lives. This limitation often prevents them from enjoying activities that most of us take for granted, like shopping, dining out, or catching up with friends over coffee. Even more concerning, 4% of Ostomates never leave the house because of anxiety over managing their stoma in public spaces.
Did You Know?
At Herts Ability, we’ve implemented steps to ensure our services are fully accessible for those living with a stoma:
We offer fully accessible toilets equipped with all necessary facilities for stoma care.
Our assessments include regular breaks, ensuring our clients’ comfort throughout their visit.
For driving assessments, our team will help make sure you’re comfortable in the vehicle, especially if you have concerns about seat belt positioning over your stoma.
Most importantly, our team cares. We understand the unique challenges faced by people living with a stoma, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Be #StomaAware this October
On Stoma Aware Day, we encourage everyone to pause and reflect on the fact that not all disabilities are visible. By increasing awareness and understanding, we can help break down the barriers of social exclusion faced by so many Ostomates.
For more information, visit Colostomy UK and join the conversation online by using the hashtags #StomaAwarenessDay2024, #Stoma, and #StomaAwareness.
At Herts Ability, we stand with the Ostomate community, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that everyone feels empowered in their daily lives!
