Helping Ostomists in Ukraine

 

Helping Ostomists in Ukraine

It began in March this year when we received an email asking for new, unopened ostomy supplies to help those in the Ukraine who were desperately struggling to get hold of such items. Various charities and addresses of where to send these items were provided.

I spoke with Mike Jameson, our Chairman, and suggested I would be more than happy to arrange this. We agreed to email our Birmingham members to ask if they had any spare unwanted supplies which they could send directly to me or bring to one of our coffee mornings. The company I work for was more than happy to pay for the courier.to have them sent out in one batch, to save our members paying any postage.

I would personally like to say a massive thank you to all our Birmingham IA members who contributed, and I’m pleased to report that a very large box of supplies was despatched to the Polish Integration Support Centre where they take the supplies straight in to the worst hit parts of the Ukraine the following week. Another very special THANKYOU is due to my AMAZING friend Suzanne, who knew what I was doing and mentioned it to her aunt Carol who had a connection with someone who had an ostomy. A few days later, Suzanne contacted me to say that she had some supplies for us and that she would deliver them at the weekend. (Suzanne lives in Farnham, Surrey and her aunt Carol lives in Welshpool, Wales, so not exactly on the doorstep!!) The supplies arrived and were very well received over a coffee or two.

Back in August I had another phone call from Suzanne saying her Aunt Carol had provided another load of supplies which she would deliver in October. When she said a load, she wasn’t joking! Her Aunt Carol had mentioned the appeal to her neighbours, who decided off their own back to go and buy some medical supplies from the local supermarkets. What amazing people! A further email went out to Birmingham IA members and yet again they didn’t disappoint.

So, another very large box will be leaving here this week (October 7th) for the Polish Integration Support Centre. I had a phone conversation with them today and it will be dispatched once again from there to the Ukraine.

Again, a massive thank you to the Birmingham IA members who contributed and again, a very special THANK YOU to my AMAZING friend Suzanne and her equally amazing aunt Carol. And of course, a special thankyou to Aunt Carol’s neighbours for their generous contributions.

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Updates from our Facebook page

Birmingham IA
6 days ago

Don't Forget this is fast approaching..ideal to get more information about having your internal pouch and speaking to others who have one too..all welcome go to Birmingham IA website for more information on this advice .

Birmingham IA
6 days ago

Just a quick reminder to all our members please look after yourself in this weather a we can get dehydrated quickly with having a stoma. Please stay hydrated by drinking plenty..check our hydration brochure out for more info at our Birmingham IA website to give you hints and tips to stay hydrated.

Birmingham IA
8 days ago

We throught you might like to know that next have launched a range of stoma underwear it greats to see companies are addressing our needs

Birmingham IA
9 days ago

Don't Forget we have IA Together Meeting Saturday 13th September At The Fight Club Darts On Temple Street Birmingham B2 5BN Meet up at 11:45am As games will be booked for 12pm. It's costs £15 each person for 90minutes Need payment by the 6th September the Latest to confirm booking for you. If would like going for a meal after if anyone wants to join us. For more information or to book your place please contact Ailidh or Mark. Time to have fun with our fellow Ostemates and catch up for a chat.

Birmingham IA
9 days ago

hope all our members have enjoyed the warmer weather and kept safe with all the steps our NHS have set to keep you all safe.

Birmingham IA
14 days ago

It's good to hear that other countries are aware of being stoma friendly with their toilet facility's

Birmingham IA
19 days ago

Some of our team Kal, Derek, Bogusha and Ailidh who was at clinimed and secure care event day which was about welling meet up at edgebaston golf course.

Birmingham IA
19 days ago

I hope all are keeping well over the holiday period. Don't Forget we are here for you our one-2-one suport volunteers are always on hand yo chat to about anything. No issue is to small, we will try and help you with what ever we can.

Birmingham IA
19 days ago

This could be a interesting read

Birmingham IA
23 days ago

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