Useful gastroenterology links

Below are a few useful gastro specific websites that have lots of information, advice and resources on symptoms and explaining conditions in children and young people.

Please be advised the advice and guidance suggested on the following pages are not monitored by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation and therefore any advice is used at patient and parents/carers own discretion. Please feel free to discuss with your healthcare provider before acting on guidance.

General Gut Health and Advice

ERIC, the Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity is the UK’s leading charity supporting all children and teenagers with a bowel or bladder problem. The website includes information and resources for children and carers as well as free helpline for support and advice on the following: children’s bowels and bladders, potty training and toilet anxiety/school toilets.

GiKids is the patient outreach and education side of the North American Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Their website includes information, in plain language instead of medical jargon, for families, kids and teenagers who live with digestive conditions to help understand and improve digestive health and live a more independent life. Includes coeliac disease, constipation, eosinophilic esophagitis, inflammatory bowel disease, nutrition and obesity, reflux and GERD.

Bladder and Bowel UK are a charity working towards improving awareness and find solutions to bladder and bowel problems. Find a range of information via leaflets, the helpline and the online community covering bladder and bowel problems in children.

Guts UK are a charity funding research into the digestive system; the gut, liver and pancreas. Their mission is to provide expert information for patients and families as well as raising public awareness and funding life-changing and life-saving research. There are tons of leaflets and advice pages on conditions and symptom management.

The EOS network is a UK based charity that network globally to support patients, families and professionals to promote research, education and support for people with eosinophilic oesophagitis.

Healthy Nutrition 

Below are a few useful websites on healthy nutrition including the healthy eating guide, how to achieve eating a balanced diet and general information on keeping fit and healthy.

A BBC Food article on processed foods and how to recognise these foods.

The Eatwell guide is a government recommendation on healthy eating and achieving a balanced diet.

The British Nutrition Foundation provide accessible information on nutrition, diet and lifestyle relevant to the needs of diverse audiences including, general public, schools, health professionals, government and media.

The British Dietetic Association are a trade union representing the dietetic workforce. The information provided on the link is written by dieticians to help learn ways to eat and drink to keep fit and healthy.

The infant and toddler forum is an organisation committed to giving every child the healthiest start in life through a group of leading experts specialising in early years nutrition and development. 

Functional Gastro Conditions

Below are some resources from leading charities and independent organisations providing advice and guidance on common conditions and managing day-to-day activities.

The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders work with patients, families, physicians, nurses etc to broaden understanding of GI disorders, support and encourage research and improve digestive health.

Crohn’s and Colitis UK is the UK’s leading charity for Crohns and Colitis providing information written for parents and young people explaining how a diagnosis might affect children and young people, what treatments they can be offered and shares tips to help young people and families manage day-to-day challenges.

Coeliac UK is an independent national charity, striving for better gluten free food in more places, providing trustworthy advice and support to communities.

PINNT offers a range of support, advice and resources for families and patients on artificial nutrition.

Mental Wellbeing and Family Support

Below are some resources focusing on mental wellbeing and family support. A gastro condition can often affect the whole family and day-to-day activities. The resources below provide advice and guidance on coping with diagnosis, mentally and physically.

Young Minds is a leading charity for supporting children and young peoples mental health as well as providing parent/ carer support.

Barca Leeds is a community based charity delivering transformational services to support adults, children and young people in West Leeds struggling with social, health and mental health issues.

The Family Action Service provides family, group and volunteer support to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Calm is the number 1 app for supporting sleep, meditation and relaxation.

Every Mind Matters provides expert advice, practical tips and personalised actions to help mental wellbeing. There is support for children, young people and adults on a range of topics including managing unhelpful thoughts, problem solving, sleep, anxiety and more!