Telephone Helpline

0872 300 4537

The IBS Network runs a telephone helpline to provide information, advice and support to anyone living with IBS. Staffed by specialist nurses, the helpline is open between 19:00 and 21:00 UK time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Here are some useful tips to help you make the best use of the helpline.

What we can help with

The helpline is specifically aimed at people who have irritable bowel syndrome. We can provide:

General information about IBS
Specific information about medications, treatments and investigations
Advice on dietary and lifestyle changes
Advice on self help
Advice on any emotional and social issues underlying your IBS.

What we cannot help with

advice on state benefits
advice on mental health
contact details for specific practitioners

The nurses cannot diagnose IBS over the phone.

Things to remember

Our nurses are very highly trained and have many years of experience
However bad it seems to you, they have probably heard it before - so do not be worried about sharing your symptoms with them
Think about the question you want to ask before you call - write it down
Make your question concise and specific
The helpline is always busy and the longer you take the more chance there is that someone else is not able to get help

Things you should do

Get a RADAR key for access to disabled toilets in an emergency
Get a 'Can't Wait' card, to help you gain access to toilets in an emergency
For general advice about IBS, JOIN THE IBS NETWORK and consult our self management programme
For advice about membership and general advice about the IBS Network, call our office on 0114 272 3253 during weekedays between 9am and 4.30pm

The Helpline is a free service to anybody with IBS If the advice is helpful, make a DONATION to the IBS Network, so we can keep funding the helpline. It's just the most useful way there is of saying "thank you".

Telephone Helpline

What we can help with

What we cannot help with

Things to remember

Things you should do

Supporting people living with irritable bowel syndrome