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We're overjoyed that our 'It Takes Guts' animation has been shortlisted for the Charity Film Awards. This fantastic achievement brings us a step closer to winning which would raise vital awareness and see the animation added to the British Film Instiute archives and listed on IMDB.
Charity Film Awards: We need your vote!
It only takes one minute to vote and make a real difference. Because the conditions are invisible and not yet widely understood thousands of people across the UK are facing these devastating, lifelong conditions alone.
Our It Takes Guts campaign and its shortlisted animation were designed to empower people living with Crohn's or Colitis to start conversations, about how their condition impacts them with them, with friends, family and employers.
The animation follows the story of three people living with the conditions. It highlights their symptoms and illustrates how Crohn's and Colitis can sometimes prevent you from doing the simplest things in life; but that ultimately talking about symptoms and what you need from others can lighten the load.
Sam Cleasby who has Ulcerative Colitis and features in the animation, reflects on how she started talking about her condition.
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Years ago, I didn't [talk], and it was very isolating thing. It made me feel like I was alone in it, it was just me. No-one understood what I was going through. Talking was really scary at first because you think, what if people laugh? What if people feel sorry for you? What if it changes the way people react to you? But actually, what happened was not only did everyone just say, 'Oh ok, now we understand'. Talking about it becomes a ripple of being able to share this experience and get people to understand.
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Helpline Service
Last updated: 22/07/2026
Our Helpline team can't take calls, chats or ring you back for the rest of the summer. But you can still reach us by email.
If you need to contact the team, please email helpline@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk and we'll answer you as soon as possible.
Thanks for bearing with us.
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.
If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.
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