Workshop Descriptions - Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association

Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association, known as IA, is a registered charity supporting people living with an ileostomy or internal pouch, their families, friends and carers.

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Workshop 1: Dietary guidelines for people without their colon Sophie Medlin

Workshop 2: Preventing kidney disease by the correct hydration Shelagh Bickerton, Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist for acute kidney injury, Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

Mental Health MattersCarrie Helman, Dip.Co, MBACP, MCD, MCMA. General & Ostomy Psychotherapist and Aileen Macarthur, Dip.Co. MBACP, MCMA. Humanistic Counsellor

Internal pouchies – debunking the myth (workshop session one only)St Mark's Pouch Nurses and Internal Pouch Sub Committee

Your medication and you Uchu Meade, MRPharmS (Consultant) Consultant Pharmacist

Workshop 1: Dietary guidelines for people without their colon

Sophie Medlin

This workshop, led by Consultant Dietitian Sophie Medlin, will cover the current dietary guidelines, what they give us and what is lacking, and how to apply this to your life with a stoma or internal pouch.

Workshop 2: Preventing kidney disease by the correct hydration

Shelagh Bickerton, Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist for acute kidney injury, Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

Dehydration is a common and often underestimated challenge for people living with an ileostomy or internal pouch, with potential consequences for kidney health that go beyond day-to-day wellbeing. This workshop will explore why and how dehydration occurs, how it can impact kidney function over time, and more importantly, what can be done to prevent this. Through practical guidance, shared experiences, and expert insight, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to stay well-hydrated and protect long-term kidney health.

Mental Health Matters

Carrie Helman, Dip.Co, MBACP, MCD, MCMA. General & Ostomy Psychotherapist and Aileen Macarthur, Dip.Co. MBACP, MCMA. Humanistic Counsellor

You’re invited to join a warm, down-to-earth workshop led by Carrie and Aileen. Carrie, a therapist and ostomate, brings curiosity, compassion, and practical insight — with space for reflection, awareness, and even some laughter. Aileen, a humanistic therapist who supported her mother through life with a stoma, offers empathy, creative exploration, and a touch of humour that helps people share their stories and find lightness amid complex emotions. We look forward to seeing you.

Internal pouchies – debunking the myth (workshop session one only)

St Mark's Pouch Nurses and Internal Pouch Sub Committee

This interactive workshop will supply you with all the information you need to live well with an internal pouch. It is hosted by the Pouch Specialist Nursing Team from St. Mark’s Hospital, London, and the theme is ’Debunking the Myth’. The myth is that pouches are always problematic, not worth the extra surgery required, don’t give a good quality of life etc. This view is also held by some medical professionals with the result that the number of pouches being formed is decreasing. Members of the Internal Pouch Subcommittee, who all have internal pouches, will be present to show you how successful pouches can be, and will answer any questions about life with a pouch.

Your medication and you

Uchu Meade, MRPharmS (Consultant) Consultant Pharmacist

This workshop, led by IA’s Consultant Pharmacy Adviser, is designed to help participants better understand their medicines, and how to use them safely and effectively. It will cover topics such as why medications are prescribed, how they work in the body, the importance of using them correctly, potential side effects, interactions, and how to communicate confidently with healthcare professionals. The session aims to be interactive and to empower individuals to take an active role in managing their health and medication.

Workshops 2026

Workshop 1: Dietary guidelines for people without their colon

Sophie Medlin

Workshop 2: Preventing kidney disease by the correct hydration

Shelagh Bickerton, Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist for acute kidney injury, Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

Mental Health Matters

Carrie Helman, Dip.Co, MBACP, MCD, MCMA. General & Ostomy Psychotherapist and Aileen Macarthur, Dip.Co. MBACP, MCMA. Humanistic Counsellor

Internal pouchies – debunking the myth (workshop session one only)

St Mark's Pouch Nurses and Internal Pouch Sub Committee

Your medication and you

Uchu Meade, MRPharmS (Consultant) Consultant Pharmacist