Support group starts for colitis sufferers

A new support group for people with Crohn's disease and colitis has started at the Peninsula Community Centre on the last Saturday of each month from 11am to 1pm.

The group provides an opportunity for people with Crohn's or colitis to get together, share experiences, information and ideas.

Crohn's and colitis are chronic conditions of the bowel and most commonly are referred to as inflammatory bowel diseases.

Over 70,000 Australian men, women and children are diagnosed with a form of inflammatory bowel disease, with symptoms manageable, yet requiring immediate and specialised care.

"Crohn's and colitis can be diagnosed at any age, though it is most commonly diagnosed in people aged between 15 and 35 years when education, career and family building are at a peak," said community centre manager Ms Michelle Remy.

"There is currently no cure for Crohn's or colitis, so while we cross our fingers for a cure in the future, this group can offer support today," she said.

Judith Brophy from Crohn's and Colitis Australia said she was pleased to be involved with the Peninsula support group which offered advice and support for sufferers.

"Crohn's and Colitis Australia support groups are mutual aid groups, which means that all of the members, including the facilitator, are impacted by Crohn's or ulcerative colitis in some way," said Ms Brophy.

"Support group meetings provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals impacted by inflammatory bowel diseases can express themselves openly and receive support and understanding from others with similar experiences," she said.

For more information, phone 1800 138 029.

Media release, 26 Jun 2013

Katey Small, Brilliant Logic