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Celebrating 100 issues of Connect
from Connect Magazine
Elaine Steven, our longest-serving member of staff, reflects on three decades of progress
Welcome to the 100th edition of our magazine. As well as bringing you the latest on our research and policy work, Connect is an important place to share stories and experiences that really help people understand that there is hope and that this is a community who cares.
Much has changed since our first newsletter was delivered to members in 1990. Over the years, our ever-improving website and social media channels have made it much easier for people to access information about Crohn’s and Colitis and connect with other people with the conditions. On page 16, discover how our virtual events are bringing more people together than ever before.
Today, there is less of a taboo about talking about bowels, which is an important area of our work. On page 18, read about our drive to make more people aware of the symptoms and avoid delays to diagnosis.
We’ve also made great strides in addressing issues that are linked to the conditions. People with Crohn’s and Colitis have told us for a long time how their emotional and mental health is affected. Now, with more people feeling able to talk openly about mental health, it’s become easier for those affected to share the wider impact of their conditions. On page 29, Anna tells us about her experiences of turning to therapy to manage the fall-out from her diagnosis.
Taking a more holistic approach as to how Crohn’s and Colitis impacts people’s lives, we have done a lot of work to understand fatigue and pain, and offer support to manage these. On page 22, read our evidence-based advice on how physical activity can help alleviate fatigue. And looking to the future, on page 15, Consultant Gastroenterologist Professor Sebastian Shaji shares his insights into the exciting new research developments that are on the horizon.
While we celebrate the progress we’ve made, there’s still lots of work to be done. We always want to hear your lived experiences and find out what’s important to you, so that we can put your needs at the centre of everything your membership helps us strive to achieve.
Everyone with
Bowel Disease should receive safe, consistent, high-quality, personalised care, whatever their age and wherever they live in the UK. We need your support to make this happen.
