North of Scotland IA aims to help and support people who have to undergo surgery which involves the removal of their colon and the creation of either an ileostomy or an ileo-anal pouch. Our membership stretches from as far south of Aberdeen as Inverbervie, Aberdeen city and throughout the north east corner of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland.

The majority of our members have had their surgery performed at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and we have a good relationship with the stoma care nurses based at the hospital.

We can offer valuable support and advice gained from our own experiences and the knowledge and insight gained from years of living with an ileostomy or ileo-anal pouch.

As a group we organise an annual Stoma Information Open Day which is held in August and is very well attended. The event is held at Curl Aberdeen, Eday Walk, Aberdeen which is just off the Lang Stracht and has ample free parking and good bus links from the city centre, making it easily accessible for all our members. It is a hive of activity with the ostomy company reps showing off their latest range of products, specialist dietician, stoma care nurses from ARI and incontinence nurses offering advice and a variety of support charities offering support.  Refreshments are provided just off the main hall so people can sit and chat and offer each other support through their experiences.  We have a raffle to raise funds for our group.

Coffee and Catch-ups are organised regularly in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire so members can meet socially to share their experiences and gain support.

Other social events are organised as determined by the interest of our members. If you have any suggestions for future meetings or social events please contact sarah.henry@iasupport.org

Details of forthcoming events can be found on the events page.