When the Bladder and Bowel Community was formed, we decided that as well as providing information to those with a bladder or bowel condition, we wanted to provide a space where everyone could be a support to each other and realise that they were not alone with their issues.
We realised that the majority of people are very private around having these conditions so we didn’t anticipate a huge response to the group. After the initial set up in November 2018, a small number of members started to trickle through the group doors and then suddenly more and more people joined our small community making it grow at a vast rate. In just a few days we had 2 thousand members and since then we’ve steadily grown now to hit the 25K mark!
Not only does this make us one of the largest support groups for those with bladder and/or bowel dysfunction but it has provided us and our members an understanding of just how many people live with these conditions. We’re truly not alone!
We asked our Facebook members what the group meant to them and here are the responses.
“I’m fairly new to the group but I find it comforting to have somewhere to come if I need to ask any questions.” Gail Wood
“I love this group. I feel accepted and supported. I feel I can ask anything I need to if I have any worries. I like to support other members when I can as it’s not easy having a bowel or bladder (or both) condition, no matter what it is. I found this group when my mood was a bit low one day after a particularly bad bowel day where I was suffering in pain and discomfort. It’s a comfort you don’t feel alone in this group.” Ann Fairhurst
“I am also new to the group. However in that time I have felt confident enough to reach out to group members for advice and support. I have also been able to help others. This group is an extremely supportive community. Keep up the good work.” Paul Harrington
“I joined the group because my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Urinary incontinence is one of his symptoms. He was prescribed sheath catheters. This was like a minefield to us. We had many mishaps and malfunctions at first but advice from the members of the group helped a lot. Support for myself as his carer is very much appreciated.” Kath Ratcliffe
In the past we’ve reached out and had similarly positive views – it’s wonderful to see how supportive the community can be.
“This group is understanding, respectful, knowledgeable and has a sense of humour despite their conditions. I’ve learned so much about my illness and the advice, if you need it, is second to none. I’ve even found myself pointing my GP in the right direction with the virtual help from this group.” Support Group Member
“This group has made me feel so welcome when I felt alone and didn’t know what to do. This group understands your problems and gives support the best they can. This group has really helped me.” Support Group Member
“Having a safe space to talk about and normalise some really difficult times and symptoms we all have is invaluable. It’s so nice to not feel so alone.” Support Group Member
“Folks can freely discuss and get help with various associated B&B problems without feeling embarrassed.” Community Reviewer
“This support group is amazing and the members are so helpful and knowledgeable and supportive. I am pleased that I have found this group. Having been a member for over one and a half years I feel that I am not alone. Thank you Bladder and Bowel Community Support Group.” Support Group Member
“This is the only place that understands the anguish of faecal incontinence, no judgement, no disgust, just good advice and virtual hugs. I was in a very dark place when I joined after a necrotic strangulated hernia repair left me with incontinence. But the information and guidance I have taken from the group delivered with respect and even humour sometimes has been invaluable. Thank you all.” Support Group Member
“The Bladder and Bowel community lets me know I’m not alone and the group support helps tremendously. Everyone on here is so friendly, helpful and encouraging.” Community Reviewer
Since the group was created it has gone from strength to strength, offering a judgement-free space for real people to share experiences and offer each other support.
Gemma, Community Marketing Manager, said:
“It has been a real pleasure to watch the community grow and the support that everybody offers to each other is phenomenal. It is the people in the group that make it a community.”
The support group relies on an attentive team of administrators to ensure the safety of all concerned, which is led by Community Support Manager, Penny Burridge.
Penny, Community Support Manager, who runs the support group shares her experience:
“Leading our Facebook Community Support Group is very rewarding. Seeing the ever-growing number of people who are unfortunately living with bladder and bowel conditions is a real eye opener.
Thankfully, the safe and non-judgemental environment of the group means that members can share their experiences and offer peer support and understanding anytime day or night. I am very grateful to our small team of Admin and Moderators who help keep the group running smoothly. And I am very proud of the group’s success and how it helps those who need it.”
We want to thank all of our wonderful members for making the group such a kind and understanding place to be and we look forward to welcoming other new members in time.
If you are struggling with a bladder or bowel condition, then maybe you would like to join our private Facebook group. Our members are very supportive and non-judgmental, whatever your situation. With over 25K members now, there is most likely someone who has or is experiencing the situation you are in.
You can either search for Bladder and Bowel Community Support Group in Facebook or click the highlighted link.