Sheffield Walk and Talk event to tackle the stigma surrounding Irritable Bowel Syndrome
22nd April 2019

A national charity supporting people living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is tackling the stigma surrounding IBS by encouraging people with the condition to speak out.

As part of its ‘Let’s talk about IBS’ campaign for IBS Awareness Month in April, The IBS Network, based in Sheffield, is encouraging people with the condition to talk openly about IBS so that they don’t suffer alone.

As part of its awareness month activities the charity is holding a Walk and Talk event in Sheffield on Sunday 28 April 10.30am and is urging people with the condition to get involved.

The walk starts and finishes at Endcliffe Park café and is suitable for all fitness abilities. It will be led by the charity’s chief executive Alison Reid. Toilet facilities will be available at the start/finish and at the half way point at Forge Dam. If you are interested in attending please email The IBS Network info@theibsnetwork.org.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a long-term illness which affects around 12 million people in the UK. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. IBS is different for each individual and can be triggered by food, stress and anxiety.

Alison Reid, chief executive of The IBS Network, said: “Many people with IBS are reluctant to talk about their condition because of the stigma still attached to it. IBS can be a very isolating and debilitating condition so it’s important that people feel they can talk openly about it. As part of IBS Awareness Month we want to help people to gain the confidence to speak to someone about their IBS.

“The Walk and Talk event in Sheffield is a great chance to get out into the fresh air and chat to other people with IBS. We want people with the condition to feel supported and know that they are not alone. Talking about IBS is the best way to tackle the stigma and help people to feel more supported and less isolated.”

Bronwen Barber, 56 from Barnsley, developed IBS in her teens with symptoms including stomach cramps and bloating. After struggling on her own for many years, Bronwen is now living well with IBS and has set up an IBS support group to help others living with the condition.

Bronwen said: “When I was first diagnosed with IBS there were times when I felt overwhelmed and just had to manage on my own the best way I could. After many years of struggling, I now know what works for me and what doesn’t so I can get on with living my life without too much disruption.

“Through The IBS Network I have been trained as a support group leader and have recently set up an IBS support group in Barnsley because I felt very isolated when I started having problems with IBS and would have found it really useful to talk to other people with the same condition. It would be wonderful if IBS lost its stigma in future.”

Throughout April the charity is sharing the stories and experiences of its members online using the hashtag #IBSAwarenessMonth and is encouraging people with the condition to join in with the conversations on social media, in person at an IBS support group or by contacting the charity.

For more information about IBS visit The IBS Network website www.theibsnetwork.org