The AASTN was proud to present National Stomal Therapy Week held during 24-30 June 2024 ! This year we celebrated the diversity of ostomates and those that support them. These supporters include families, carers, Ostomy Associations, industry, educators, stomal therapy nurses and other members of the health care team.

We teamed up with the amazing Australian graphic designer MJ Pureza (www.mjpix.com), who created an image that brilliantly conveyed the positive energy we wished to associate with NSTW.

We invited everyone to share the ‘Uniquely You !’ message. A range of materials showcasing the message are available for downloading below, including a screensaver, posters and email footers (one with the NSTW dates and one without, so you can use it throughout the year). We also arranged for you to be able to purchase Uniquely You ! merchandise from Red Bubble. These mugs, T-shirts, badges, tote bags, note pads and stickers feature the Uniquely You ! graphic and could be used in your local campaigns and as prizes or giveaways. Link to Redbubble: Red Bubble AASTN Merch

Remember to ‘send us your selfies’ via [email protected] of your local campaigns.

Suggested activities to help celebrate National Stomal Therapy Week include:

• • • • A display of information related to bowel and stomas. Perhaps a stall or table inside the foyer of your hospital or local shopping centre
      • Wearing of promotional t-shirts or caps by Stomal Therapy Nurses, Surgeons and Colorectal Ward Staff
      • Collaborate with local groups for joint activities to be held through the week eg Cancer Council, Stoma Support Groups, Crohn’s and Colitis Association – how can they help?
      • Contact the local radio station – ‘Interview with an STN’

Look at some of the activities undertaken in previous years. Be sure to send us photos of your celebrations !