The Gut Trust is a UK-based charity devoted to improving quality of life for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sufferers. The Gut Trust offers support and education to IBS patients and their families, as well as engaging in IBS advocacy with the media, governmental agencies and medical groups. Most notably, the Gut Trust operates a telephone hotline staffed by IBS-knowledgeable nurses who offer advice and provide referrals to anyone who calls. Membership in the Gut Trust is not necessary to take advantage of this service. (Non-UK residents might find it more feasible to email.)
Benefits of Membership:
The Gut Trust encourages people to become members for a low annual fee. Membership entitles you to:
- The Gut Trust’s Self Management Programme written as a guide to improved symptom management.
- Subscription to Gut Trust’s quarterly journal Gut Reaction.
- Access to self help groups located throughout England and Scotland
- Educational Fact Sheets
Public Toilet Access:
An impressive Gut Trust initiative is to provide improved access to public toilets for all IBS patients. Cleverly entitled “Can’t Wait, Won’t Wait”, the initiative involves working with politicians and government agencies within Great Britain to raise awareness of this essential need. The Gut Trust also aids individuals in obtaining a key necessary to access locked public restrooms.
My Bottom Line:
You just have to love the practicality and exuberance of this group! Whether you live in the United Kingdom or not, I believe it would be worth your while to check out this organization and consider becoming a member. You will benefit from the education provided by the high-quality print materials, enjoy some perhaps much-needed social support, and add another voice to the Gut Trust’s large-scale advocacy efforts. I find this to be a very impressive organization, I think you will also.
