Crohn’s & Colitis

Crohn’s and Colitis New Zealand , formerly known as the Crohn’s and Colitis Support Group, was set up in 1987 by a group of people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who believed there was a need for a support group for people who have Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

What services does CCNZ provide?

CCNZ provides information about IBD to people with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, their partners and families. The group also operates a specialist library containing books and videos, and has access to medical databases and the Internet to help answer specific questions. The group can also put you in touch with overseas organisations should you need help while travelling abroad.

CCNZ holds regular public meetings with guest speakers. Topics discussed range from the causes of Ulcerative Colitis to acupuncture. These meetings provide a forum for fellow sufferers to meet; share their experiences and gain support from each other. Support is also available through the CCNZ Community Contact Service, a system that matches up people with similar experiences so they may talk and meet if needed.

Newsletters are sent out to all members. They contain news of research into IBD, a list of books and videos available to members, reports from public meetings, and contact details of all the CCNZs around NZ. This and more information is available on their website.

Aims of the Support Group

• To educate all people with inflammatory bowel disease about their disease with a support pack and by disseminating related information to these individuals, their families, health professionals and the general public.
• To provide support, exchange ideas and share coping strategies.
• To promote local Support Groups throughout New Zealand.

Who can get help?

CCNZ provides services for anyone interested in IBD whether you have a child with IBD, or have a friend or family member with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. In addition, health professionals such as GPs, gastroenterologists, dietitians and surgeons give CCNZ support packs to their patients. Hospitals, district nurses and tertiary teaching institutions use the resources of the CCNZ.

How is it funded?

Crohn’s and Colitis New Zealand is a charitable trust which receives no financial support from Government. Funding comes mainly from membership fees and donations.

How can I get their help?

Contact CCNZ and ask for membership information. Fill in and return the completed form with your subscription. You’ll be placed on their mailing list to receive the next newsletter and you can request to see more information or titles from the library. Once you’re a member they’ll post books, newsletters and any other information to you free of charge all over the country.

Visit the website www.crohnsandcolitis.org.nz or you can contact them by email on info@crohnsandcolitis.org.nz

How much does it cost?

There is an annual subscription fee of about $30. This may vary between groups. Contact your local Crohns and Colitis group to discuss. A list of local contacts is posted on the website.

Link to the CCNZ website

www.crohnsandcolitis.org.nz

This is the national website and it provides information about both the group and inflammatory bowel disease. There is an e-pal bulletin board, links to other related sites and a local contacts directory.