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World IBD Day 2026
On 19 May, we’re bringing people together to build a powerful picture of how it really feels to live with Crohn’s or Colitis across the UK.
More than half a million people in the UK are living with Crohn’s or Colitis, with 25,000 more diagnosed each year. Despite this, the experience of care people receive throughout their journey with Crohn’s or Colitis varies widely. We know how frustrating that can be. We understand that dealing with Inflammatory Bowel Disease day in and day out can be challenging, unpredictable and exhausting.
But having access to the right care, at the right time, can make all the difference.
That’s why this World IBD Day, we’re here to share real experiences that will help reshape how the world sees Crohn’s and Colitis. We are here to help amplify your voices and share your stories of what care feels like at every stage of your Crohn's or Colitis journey. From your first colonoscopy to finding the right treatment, from managing day to day life with these conditions to connecting with the wider Crohn's & Colitis UK community. Your experiences matter.
Your support helps us to continue our work in driving improvements, so that everyone living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease gets the high-quality care they deserve.
Together, we can create lasting change for everyone living with Crohn’s or Colitis.
“Being treated like a person living with a chronic illness, someone who understands their own body, rather than just another patient on a list brought a huge sense of relief. It’s something I wish for everyone living with Crohn’s or Colitis.”
Jenna reflects on her experience of IBD care so far, from feeling isolated and misunderstood to how one nurse made a huge difference by taking the time to listen.
It's time for change.
We’re leading the way, but we can't do all this alone. Help us change what it means to live with these lifelong, incurable gut conditions.
Your donation will help us drive real improvements in care across the UK, and make sure everyone gets the high-quality support they need, when they need it.
Change starts with you.
https://donate.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/
Donate today
Get involved
Make sure to follow our social channels, we’ll be sharing inspiring content around World IBD day. Show your support and help us raise awareness so that everyone living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease gets the high-quality care they deserve.
Get involved in one of our upcoming events:
Join us this World IBD Day for our virtual social event (6:30pm - 8pm).
These free events are a chance to chat, share experiences and learn from others.
Take action this June by signing up to My WALK IT.
Together we will walk for improved lives today and a world free from Crohn’s and Colitis tomorrow!
Things for you
Download the following resources to help spread the word this World IBD day.
Helpline
We know it can be difficult to live with Crohn's or Colitis, especially when you're faced with people misunderstanding what impact these conditions can have on your life. But you’re not alone. Our helpline can provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Our helpline is available 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays) on 0300 222 5700 or via LiveChat on our website.
About Crohn's and Colitis
Ways to get involved
Helpline Service
We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with Crohn’s or Colitis. But we’re with you. We can give you the right information and support at the right time.
We’re here for everyone.
How Can We Help?
- We can help you understand Crohn’s and Colitis
- Listen and talk about living with IBD
- Help you connect with others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community
- Give you contact details of specialist organisations
- We can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis and provide up-to-date, evidence-based information
Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.
Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).
If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.