Let’s Talk Guts: Are you in?

What is Let’s Talk Guts?

On Monday 13 July, Guts UK is launching a week-long campaign focused on the power of conversation. Let’s Talk Guts aims to break down the stigma that so often surrounds our guts and encourage people to have open, honest conversations about their digestive health.

Many people feel embarrassed talking about their digestive symptoms, meaning they delay seeking help when they really need it. The more comfortable we become talking about our guts, the better. Whether it’s feeling able to have honest conversations with our loved ones about what we’re experiencing or feeling able to walk into a GP appointment better able to confidently talk about your concerns.

Living with digestive conditions and symptoms can feel incredibly isolating. Too many people suffer in silence. In fact, our research shows that 58% of people are embarrassed to talk about their digestive condition and symptoms, and 51% delay seeking medical advice for over six months. Things need to change.

We believe that a conversation can be one of the most powerful tools. This July, the Let’s Talk Guts campaign is all about empowering you to break the silence, talk about what’s really going on, and get the support you or someone you know needs or deserves.

What we need you to do

We aren’t just launching a campaign, we are amplifying people’s voices and connecting people through conversation. Here are just some of the ways you can join in:

• Sign up to get access to a range of free resources: From symptoms to health and lifestyle, myth busters to conversation starters, there’s something for everyone, whatever it is you’d like to feel more comfortable with. Sign up and get set to join the conversation this July.
• Gut Together with the people around you: Challenge common gut myths together, try our conversation starters and have a good natter about your gut health. You’ll feel better for it.
• Use your social media page as a platform: If you’re affected by digestive conditions and symptoms, sharing your own story and experiences can help to raise vital awareness and can help others who are feeling isolated to know that they’re not alone and reach out for support if they need it. Use the hashtag #LetsTalkGuts to share your videos, photographs or text-based posts and help make the invisible, visible. (Make sure you’re following us too – you can find us by searching on socials for ‘gutscharityuk’ or clicking on the links at the top of our link menu here.)
• Host Coffee Morning Conversations: What goes better with a cuppa than a good natter (and a slice of cake!)  Gather your friends, family, colleagues or community for a coffee morning between 13 and 19 July (or any day that works for you) to talk all things guts and raise vital funds to support our work. Click here to get started.
• Talk to a loved one about how you feel: If you’re living with a digestive condition, honest conversations give people the chance to support you in the right way. Tell them what you need, whether that’s choosing a spot to meet near toilet facilities, knowing it’s okay to change plans because of your digestive symptoms, or sending a ‘How are you feeling?’ text to check in. If you’re supporting a loved one, we’ve got resources to help you too.
• Get ready to talk to your GP: Information is power. Explore our evidence-based information on over 40 digestive conditions and symptoms so you have the right words and confidence when talking to your doctor.
• Try our free, Poo-Torial tool: Get to know your normal with our Poo-torial tool, designed to help you better understand the colour, consistency and frequency of your poo. Your poo is an indication of your health, so learn how to spot when something might not be quite right.

Join the conversation this July

Don’t miss a single update – sign up for Let’s Talk Guts today! By signing up for our campaign, you’ll be the first to receive our resources, stories from our community and more, directly into your inbox.

Why conversations matter

From our mouths to our guts to our butts, our digestive tract spans around an incredible 25 feet. With over 40 different digestive conditions and symptoms affecting millions of people across the UK, digestive health impacts us all. Yet, many people hide their pain, bloating, regurgitation or bowel habits out of fear of judgment. This needs to change, and we’re here to do it. You can help us.

Whatever your digestive condition or symptom, you shouldn’t have to face it alone. When we bottle things up, our guts (and health) suffer. But when we start talking, we often realise just how many others are going through similar. Normalising conversations about our guts doesn’t just make day-to-day life easier – it has the potential to change and save lives.

We are here for you

Our hopes for the future are big. Imagine a world where digestive conditions are better understood, better treated and everyone who lives with one gets the support they need.

If you are struggling with your guts and need someone to talk to, please know that Guts UK is in your corner.

Let’s talk about the fear of embarrassment. Let’s talk about symptoms. Let’s talk about guts.

Need information and support right now?

If you’re affected by digestive conditions or symptoms and don’t know where to turn, you can contact our Helpline on 0300 102 4887 or complete our online enquiry form.