Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association, known as IA, is a registered charity supporting people living with an ileostomy or internal pouch, their families, friends and carers.

North of Scotland IA aims to help and support people who have to undergo surgery which involves the removal of their colon and the creation of either an ileostomy or an ileo-anal pouch. Our membership stretches from as far south of Aberdeen as Inverbervie, Aberdeen city and throughout the north east corner of Scotland.

The majority of our members have had their surgery performed at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and we have a good relationship with the stoma care nurses based at the hospital.

We can offer valuable support and advice gained from our own experiences and the knowledge and insight gained from years of living with an ileostomy or ileo-anal pouch.

Whether you’ve been told that you need to have an ileostomy or an internal pouch, are already living with one or are a family member or carer of someone who is, the benefit of speaking to someone who has been through surgery shouldn’t be underestimated. The thought of surgery generates a range of emotions such as fear, anger or worry, and speaking with an IA One2One Support Volunteer can help to alleviate those concerns. For more information

As a group we organise an annual Stoma Information Open Day which is normally held late July and is very well attended. The venue for this has changed over the last few years and we are now using Curl Aberdeen which is just off the Lang Stracht in Aberdeen as there is ample parking and good transport links making it easily accessible for all our members. It is a hive of activity with the ostomy company reps showing off their latest range of products, dieticians, stoma care nurses, incontinence nurses, representatives from the Colostomy Association and IA in attendance. We organise alternative therapists to come along and provide taster sessions for our members to try. We have a raffle and refreshments are served throughout the morning.

In addition to this we also hold an annual quiz night, normally in a social club in Inverurie. This is a social evening open to family and friends.