Share your story
Why sharing your story is important
Every story shared has the power to change how people understand digestive symptoms and conditions.
Right now, millions of people across the UK are affected by digestive conditions and symptoms, and we want the experiences and stories that we share to reflect that. We want everyone to feel seen, heard and included, and we’re especially keen to hear from people from underrepresented communities.
By sharing your story, you’ll help raise vital awareness and help us build a community that truly reflects us all. Together, we can help the UK get to grips with guts!
Please note: Submission of a story form does not guarantee that your story will be shared. As a small team, we are unable to share everyone’s story right now, but if an opportunity arises to share yours, we will be in touch. Thank you.
Who will I be sharing my story with at Guts UK?
We know that you might want to put a name to a face and have an idea of who you may be sharing your story with. One of our Communications team members will help you to share your story from beginning to end.
What does it mean to you if I share my story?
Amy shares:
I’ve worked with many people to share their experience of living with a digestive condition, alongside living with a digestive condition myself. It’s an honour to be trusted with your experience and to listen to your truth, through the good days, bad days, and even through loss. Sharing your story is such a selfless thing to do, that directly helps us to raise vital awareness for digestive conditions and symptoms. Your words can also provide much-needed reassurance to people going through similar and delivers the message to whoever may be reading your story: you are not alone.
Leeona explains:
I help share the stories of people affected by digestive symptoms and conditions. Every story is a gift and incredibly powerful. We are keen for our storytellers to reflect the diversity of everyone impacted by digestive conditions and symptoms. Thank you for considering sharing your story. Together, one story at a time, we’re helping the UK to get to grips with guts.
How will you support me in sharing my story?
- We know that telling your story can feel like a big step, but you don’t need to be an expert storyteller or have a written-up version. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
- Don’t worry if you don’t know all the medical details behind your condition or symptoms. We’ll use our evidence-based information to make sure your experiences are supported by the facts.
- We understand that revisiting your experiences can be upsetting. Please know that there is absolutely no rush or pressure from us. We’ll move at your pace, and you can feel free to pause or stop at any time.
- Our consent form will be sent to you to explain a little more about where your story may be shared to help others.
- We make telling your story as simple and as comfortable as possible. Imagine catching up with a friend and skipping the formalities… That’s the atmosphere we aim for! We can capture your experiences via phone call, video call, or e-mail (or a combination). We also love it when you share photos with us to help bring your story to life and give a glimpse into your world.
- We aim to write up your story in around 800 to 1,000 words.
- You get the final say. We will send over drafts of your story until you are 100% happy with it.
- Above everything else, it is your story. You can get in touch with us at any time to withdraw consent. We will also check back in with you whenever we want to use your story to make sure everything is still the same, and you’re still happy with it.
