#GUTSelfie 2024: Look what you made possible!

On Sunday 30th June, our phenomenal #GUTSelfie campaign returned for the fourth year. You took to social media (Instagram) and helped us to raise crucial awareness of digestive symptoms and conditions and make vital noise for our guts.

If you’re reading this and haven’t yet heard of this incredible movement, fear not, we are about to let you know what you’re missing out on and give you sign-up details for next year.

Without you, none of what we do would be possible and we’d love to have even more of you on board.

How do you feel about seeking help for your digestive symptoms?

Although we are making progress, there is still a taboo surrounding our digestive symptoms and conditions. Our research has shown that:

• 58% of people are embarrassed about their digestive symptoms or conditions.
• 51% of people delay seeking advice for their symptoms for over 6 months.

We need to do better. And we won’t stop until we get there.

What is the #GUTSelfie campaign and when did it start?

In 2020, we decided enough was enough. We scratched our heads and thought of ways to raise more awareness for our misunderstood, underfunded, and undervalued guts. Something that said, “I’m here and I’m not afraid to speak up, because we all deserve better.” 

When it comes to taboos and the stigma we face, surrounding our digestive symptoms and conditions, speaking up is one way to break down these barriers, especially when we do it together, united as one marching, gutsy army.

This is how #GUTSelfie was born. #GUTSelfie Day always falls on the last Sunday in June. Bravely, boldly and honestly; you have brought our values to life on #GUTSelfie day each year and we are beaming with pride.

Our #GUTSelfie home answers more of your questions.

How did #GUTSelfie Day 2024 raise awareness?

Sunday 30th June saw over 260 of you take to your Instagram platforms (ours is @gutscharityuk), loud and proud. You shared your thoughts for our 2024 theme; Myths, Misunderstandings, and Misconceptions, and together, we set many a record straight, surrounding our guts and what can happen when they don’t do their jobs.

You sparked crucial conversations about living with digestive symptoms and conditions and helped to educate others. You also created a supportive space for those around you affected by digestive symptoms and conditions. Your willingness to speak out will help others to feel less alone by encouraging them to seek help when something isn’t right and get the expert information they so desperately need. Some of you also created Instagram fundraisers on this mountain-moving day, to help fund vital life-changing and life-saving research.

From the bottom of our hearts and the warmth in our tummies, we can’t thank you enough!

#GUTSelfie 2024: In numbers

• Over 260 individual accounts posted #GUTSelfies, whether that be in the form of a photo/s post, story, or reel.
• The number of #GUTSelfies posted in total was over 280!
• Out of 260 accounts that posted #GUTSelfies, their combined follower count soared to over 745,000, helping us to deliver our message far and wide; it’s time the UK got to grips with guts.
• Over 400 new supporters followed us on our Instagram page. Our gutsy army is growing and together, we are unstoppable.
• Over £500 was kindly donated to our cause by you, our wonderful supporters, to get your own Guts UK t-shirt to wear with pride for your #GUTSelfies!
• Over 500 ‘can’t wait’ cards were sent out as part of our #GUTSelfie packs.
• All of these numbers add up to the fourth, fantastic year of our #GUTSelfie campaign and we’d love you to join us next year…

How do I sign up for #GUTSelfie 2025?

#GUTSelfie 2025 takes place on Sunday 29th June 2025.

Please complete our form to sign up and be part of the movement!

Our 2025 theme will be decided closer to the time, with your help, as well as more details being released in the build-up.

#GUTSelfie FAQs may answer any questions you have, but if not, please contact us via e-mail at comms@gutscharity.org.uk and we will be happy to help.

What drives Guts UK’s awareness campaigns forward?

Without you, we wouldn’t be here. We dream and aim big. 25 feet of guts is a lot to understand, after all. It’s been 53 years since we were founded and we are doing better, but the UK has still not got to grips with guts. Our work is far from over. This is why we need you to help keep driving us forward. Together, let’s take even bigger strides for our guts, into a world where misunderstood guts are a thing of the past!

None of this would be possible without you. You are at the heart of what we do. Thank you for championing our cause and helping us help the UK. Together, let’s get to grips with guts!

Consider donating to Guts UK Charity today to make vital campaigns like #GUTSelfie possible. Thank you.