We are strong

Professor Neil Smart - Tribute

A tribute to Professor Neil Smart, IA Trustee, brilliant surgeon and extraordinary human being.

Pouch Information Day 2025

Saturday 20 September (registration from 9am)
Birmingham

Register today to secure your place!

Let's Talk

Struggling mentally with your stoma or internal pouch? Perhaps you’ve been advised you need surgery and want to speak with someone? Help is only a few clicks away…

One2One Support

IA One2One Support Volunteers are people like you. They have been through surgery and have been living with an ileostomy or internal pouch for at least 18 months. After undergoing training, our volunteers are ready to listen to your concerns and draw on their own experiences to help and guide you.

Do you need to speak to someone?

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

Information Day 2023 - Video Presentations

Grab a cuppa, sit back and watch the video presentations from IA’s Information Day.

What is an ileostomy?

An ileostomy is a type of stoma. It is formed when the end of your small bowel is brought out to the surface of your abdomen and a stoma bag worn over the top to collect bodily waste. Click to read more about an ileostomy.

I want to speak to someone

Speaking with someone else who has been through surgery can be life changing. Don’t sit in silence or struggle alone. IA is here to help. Let IA put you in touch with a trained volunteer today. Click to read more.

What is an ileoanal pouch?

For many, an ileoanal pouch offers an alternative option to living with an ileostomy but they can take a while to get used to. Click to take a look at our pouch pages for more information.