If you have irritable bowel syndrome, the Gut Trust can be of invaluable help. From communicating with people going through the same as you, to being able to access latest IBS news, and being able to talk to qualified nurses who are IBS specialists, it's worth a small membership fee (currently £24 a year).

As well as being able to access the information on their website, membership benefits include a quarterly members' journal 'Gut Reaction', a 'Can't Wait' card to help you get to a toilet in an emergency**, access to local self-help groups, a specially written Self Management Programme written by Prof. Nick Read and much more.

** that's where we come in...if you're shopping in Grimsby and need the loo in a hurry, just pop in, flash your card and you're sorted!

So, why did we get in touch to offer this? My e-mail to the Gut Trust explains:

I did my MMedSci at Sheffield and my dissertation on the effect of liquorice on IBS was printed in Gut Reaction (GR52 Jan 2004). I have since qualified as a colon hydrotherapist and help many people with their IBS symptom management - as a sufferer myself, I do know how colonics help me...We would like to open our toilets to Gut Trust members so they can use our facilities if necessary.