Helpline service

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We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with Crohn’s or Colitis. But you’re not alone. We can give you the right information and support at the right time for you.

We provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.

We’re here for everyone.

You can find a wide range of information on our website.

If you need urgent medical assistance call NHS111. In an emergency call 999 or attend your local A&E.

If you need emotional support the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123.

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It's natural to feel unsure about contacting a helpline for the first time. There's no need to feel embarrassed talking to us about your poo, toilet habits or other symptoms. It's good to talk and we have heard it all before

How we can help | How to contact us | Who will answer my call? | What if English isn't my preferred language? | Other forms of support

How we can help

Our team can help by:

Providing information about Crohn’s and Colitis.
Listening and talking through your situation.
Helping you to find support from others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community.
Providing details of other specialist organisations.

Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.

If you need individual medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.

How to contact us

We're here for you via telephone, email or LiveChat.

Our lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).

You can email us anytime and we will aim to respond to your email within three working days.

We take your privacy seriously, and your data is always safe with Crohn’s & Colitis UK. Calls may be recorded, in-line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You can read our data privacy policy here.

Call 0300 222 5700

Email helpline@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk

LiveChat

When LiveChat is showing that we are ‘Open’, one of our trained and experienced helpline officers will be here to LiveChat. You won’t be chatting with a bot.

If no one answers when you start the chat, please try again. We are busy answering all our queries as quickly as possible and we thank you for your patience.

Who will answer my call or LiveChat?

Our team consists of trained and experienced helpline officers. We can provide you with up-to-date, evidence-based information.

Our helpline officers have experience of supporting many people affected by Crohn’s or Colitis. We will give you the time and space to talk through any questions.

What if English isn’t my preferred language?

If you prefer to speak to us in another language, interpreters are available. When you call the helpline you’ll hear a short recorded message. When the call is answered by our team then state, in English, the language you would like to use.

We will then connect with an interpreter. This should hopefully only take a minute or two. This can only be done over the telephone, we cannot offer written translation for LiveChat or emails.

Our service provider employs fully qualified linguists who are capable of interpreting to a high standard. This is the current list of languages available.

How is the helpline performing?

In 2024 we responded to around 9000 queries to the helpline across our different services.
99% of people who used our helpline in 2024 and responded to our survey said they would recommend our helpline service to those affected by Crohn’s and Colitis.

Feedback from people who have used the service

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The helpline is brilliant. The team are so supportive and easy to talk to. I feel so grateful that this service is available to me as I do not know anybody with IBD.

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The person was very kind and compassionate. They filled me with reassurance.

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The officer helped me locate all the information I wanted to research so I can now make an informed decision about my medication.

More feedback

Other forms of support

What to do if you’re feeling unwell

We know how you feel can change at times and you might be having a flare-up of symptoms. It’s natural to ask if this is normal and what you should do.

If you’re having trouble managing your symptoms, then your IBD team or GP will be best placed to help you.

Many hospital services have advice lines, usually supported by IBD Nurse Specialists. Our interactive map of services can help you search for your hospital.

If you feel your symptoms are becoming an urgent medical concern, or you need urgent medical advice, you can call NHS 111. In Northern Ireland call Phone First. If you need emergency care call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.

If you have a question about your Crohn's or Colitis

You may be able to find an answer to your question on our information pages. Our information can be viewed online or you can download items to print or read later.

Feeling anxious or worried?

Living with a long-term condition like Crohn’s or Colitis can trigger lots of different feelings and emotions. You’re not alone. Around half of all people with Crohn’s or Colitis say it has affected their mental health in some way.

Samaritans

If you think that talking to someone about how you’re feeling would be helpful, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123. They are there for you whatever you’re going through and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also email them jo@samaritans.org

Mind

Mind have lots of resources on their website. You can call their Support line on 0300 102 1234, 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays) or email info@mind.org.uk

Shout

If you want support via text, contact SHOUT by texting 85258. This is a free 24/7 confidential text service.

Disclaimer

We take your privacy seriously, and your data is always safe with Crohn’s & Colitis UK. Calls may be recorded, in-line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Read our privacy and confidentiality policies.

Finding support from others

Our 50 Local Networks operate across the UK bringing local people affected by Crohn’s and Colitis together and raising awareness of the conditions with members of the public. From educational talks to social events, we help give people the comfort and confidence to live freer and fuller lives.

Local Networks

We have a Facebook forum where people affected by Crohn’s and Colitis can share their experiences and ask questions of others. Please note, the forum is not a space for medical advice. You will need to answer three questions when requesting to join.

Online communities

We offer people affected by Crohn's or Colitis the chance to join a virtual social event with others across the UK. The events will be a chance to chat, share experiences and potentially learn from others.

Virtual Social Events

Need to talk?

Helpline service