National IBD Out of Hours Support Line

The National IBD Support Line was created from the front line of care by an IBD nurse who saw, every day, the gaps patients were falling into.

Working closely with people living with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, it became clear that support often stopped when appointments ended. Patients were left managing complex, unpredictable symptoms at home, unsure when to worry, when to wait, and when to seek urgent help. Many struggled to access timely advice, while others turned to unreliable sources simply because nothing else was available in the moment they needed it most.

This service was built to change that.

The National IBD Support Line was designed as a simple, accessible way for people to reach specialist support when it matters most. Through a confidential text based service, individuals can connect directly with experienced IBD professionals who understand the realities of living with the condition. It brings reassurance, clarity, and expert guidance into everyday life, not just clinic appointments.

At its heart, this is more than just an advice line. It is rooted in a commitment to safer care, better patient experience, and stronger support beyond hospital walls. By leading with clinical expertise and compassion, the service empowers people to feel more confident in managing their condition.

Importantly, every interaction also contributes to something bigger. The service helps fund and support other organisations working to provide free IBD care, education, and resources—extending its impact far beyond a single conversation.

What began as one nurse’s response to an unmet need has grown into a shared mission: to ensure that no one living with IBD feels alone, unsupported, or unsure where to turn.