If you're friends with someone living with the condition, you may want to find ways to help them, show that you understand, and help them to feel accepted and included when they may need adjustments in order to take part in activities you've planned. There's lots of little ways you can show your support and make their experience that little bit easier.
It's great that you want to support your friend living with Crohn's or Colitis. Sometimes it can be tricky for them opening up about their condition, so our animated video shows how they might be feeling about sharing their experiences with you, and how you can help.
Our Living with Crohn's or Colitis hub offers information on the conditions and advice for the newly diagnosed, as well as information on topics such as mental health, travelling, smoking, pregnancy, food and more. Reading this information can help you understand what your loved one might be experiencing so you can support them in little ways that may have big impacts.
We worked with researchers at Edge Hill University to create a guide on supporting your friend with Crohn's or Colitis.
This page includes everything from key facts about supporting people living with either condition, as well as tips to help, ways to look after yourself, and sources of support if you need them.
Read our blog from Ciara, who explains how her friends and family supported her as she changed the way she socialised after her diagnosis. It might give you some ideas of ways you can help your friend, and things to consider when planning a trip out together.
The most important thing to me is for people just to be understanding.
Ciara
Living with Colitis
Our In My Shoes app simulates a day in the life of someone in a Crohn's or Colitis flare. It can help you really understand what your friend might be going through and give you ideas of ways you can support them, whether it's tweaking plans, making them a hot water bottle or lending an ear. You can find out more about how to use the app on our In My Shoes for people living with Crohn's or Colitis page, or download the app and get stuck in with the links below.
Want to meet people living with Crohn's or Colitis, or supporting those who do? We'd love to see you at one of our virtual social events!
Join our growing network of friendly, passionate volunteers!
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We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with these conditions. But you’re not alone. We provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Our helpline 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.
Signposting you to specialist organisations.
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 - 9am to 5pm, 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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