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It is 10 years since our Parent to Parent service was set up and there is lots to celebrate.
10th anniversary of Parent to Parent service
Our parent volunteers are trained to listen and provide emotional support to other parents and receive regular support and training in order to do this.
Because they all have a child with Crohn's or Colitis, they can bring a personal quality of understanding to calls with other parents.It is 10 years since our Parent to Parent service was set up and there is lots to celebrate.
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I think when your child is first diagnosed with this dreadful, debilitating, horrid disease, just to be able to talk to another mum or dad who's child also has it, is a wonderful way of just sharing your worries. It's the listening that I found most helpful. It's a very lonely time for the parent and child in those first 6 months!
The Service originally was for parents of children up to age 18 – this now includes parents of children up to age 25 due to demand from parents of children going through university and starting employment.
Parents talk of feeling isolated, although they may have family and friends to talk to. They feel the need to be strong for their child but feel very vulnerable themselves and need support in coming to terms with the diagnosis and nature of a long term condition.
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I was listened to and empathised with. I felt like it was the first time I had been able to talk about my child without being judged and by someone who really understood. If it is at all possible to thank the volunteer, pass my thanks on to her, I would appreciate that.
Parents of a young person with Crohn's or Colitis may have feelings such as loss, anxiety, anger, disappointment, or guilt, and want to know if these feelings are normal and if they are ‘doing ok’.
Callers sometimes talk about worries for their child’s mental health, concerns about child’s future, education, schooling, how they will cope during teenage years, medication, or hospital treatment.
There were 46 appointments made last year – the most since the service was started. This is testament to the significance of this milestone, and we would like thank all of our amazing volunteers who make this possible.
- Calls with the Parent to Parent line can be booked through our helpline on 0300 222 5700
- Find out more about volunteering
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Helpline Service
Temporary closure - 10/06/2026
Our Helpline will be closed from Wednesday 10 June and will reopen at 10am on Monday 15 June.
We may be closed but we have lots of information here on our website.
If you need urgent medical advice you can call NHS 111 or in Northern Ireland phone your local Phone First. In an emergency call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
If you need emotional support the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123.
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.
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