• OOOPS Group is a mutual support group which has the primary aim of helping people who have had their colon removed or are having problems with their colon. The group was started in March 2016.

It is estimated that there are more than 20,000 people in Great Britain and Ireland who have had to have their colon removed. There are 3,500 in the county of Durham. This means that you might well have already met someone who has an ostomy or internal pouch and know that they are able to lead perfectly normal lives.

OOOPS Group aims to help anyone who has had, or is about to have, their colon removed to return to a fully active and normal life as soon as possible. We want to improve knowledge about the management of IBD and IBS problems, to help them with all aspects of their rehabilitation including social activities, relationships with their families, friends, employers, colleagues and members of the general public. Meetings are organised periodically for local members to attend. They are supported by a talk on either medical or general subjects, or the meetings may be of a social nature.