Former councillor who fought for stoma bins in every council building starts support group
A former South Tyneside Councillor is starting a new support group for residents with stoma bags.
A former councillor who fought to ensure sanitary bins were placed in every toilet across the borough is starting a support group for residents with stoma bags.
Ken Dawes, who used to represent residents of Whiteleas ward during his time in South Tyneside Council, is starting the group this month with support from specialist health workers.
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The first session will take place between 2pm and 2pm at Cleadon Park Primary Care Centre on Tuesday, July 23.
“It’s changed my life and I’m at an age where I have a bit of time and I can perhaps make it that little bit easier for people” said Ken.
“If I could help just one person, that’s job done as far as I’m concerned.
“Unless you’ve got a bag you won’t understand. It impacts every day of your life.”
Ken was diagnosed with cancer twice, leading to him needing a stoma bag, also known as an ostomy pouch.
At the start of 2025 he successfully campaigned to have sanitary bins put in all male toilets in South Tyneside Council buildings, matching what is in women’s restrooms to make life easier for anyone with a medically required pouch.
He has also worked with Coloplast, a Danish company which makes a huge amount of stoma bags and medical catheters.
“There was nothing really that supports people” added Ken.
“It’s bad enough, a lot of it can come from cancer diagnosis but a lot of people, both male and female, need it through Crohn's disease.
“They need to lose part of the bowel system because of that.
“I’m fortunate that I’m more vocal and I’m prepared to talk about it and give advice to people, but others aren’t so confident.”
The first session will be attended with a specialised stoma care nurse to answer any questions or ease any worries visitors may have.
He continued: “We’ve been planning it for about four to five months. We’re at the stage now where we’ve been able to get support from Cleadon Park Primary Care Centre.
“I’m only one person, but it’s got to start somewhere. I’d love iff we can get some people to come along and just talk.”