Awareness Month 2021
May is Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month
Get involved this May to help us #FlushtheStigma
It takes guts to talk about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and this May Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA) will be raising awareness in support of people living with these lifelong illnesses.
This May is a chance for Australians to understand a little more about what it is like to live with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Many people living with these illnesses stay silent about the day-to-day issues they face but during May, we can help them speak up.
By as early as next year, there is expected to be over 100,000 Australians living with Crohn’s or colitis – lifelong, incurable conditions that are on the increase. For every person diagnosed, not only are their lives changed forever but also the lives of their family and friends.
Live Streamed IBD Information Forum
A live streamed Information Forum panel discussion hosted by Flic Manning (CCA Ambassador) will take place on Tuesday 25th May, 7:30pm (AEST). Flic will talk about her own lived experience with IBD and you’ll hear from the following wonderful guest speakers:
- Dr Emma Flanagan, Gastroenterologist – Pregnancy and IBD
- A/Prof John Ding, Gastroenterologist – COVID 19, Vaccination and IBD
- Dr Chamara Basnayake, Gastroenterologist – IBD and the Elderly
You’ll be able to watch the live stream from anywhere you can access the internet.
Promotional Material
Download, print, distribute or share on social media these Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month resources during May.
Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month
- Download Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month poster
- Download Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month flyer
- Download Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month cupcake decorating flags
- Download Instagram story template
- Download Facebook frame template
- Download social tiles: Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • LinkedIn
World IBD Day
- Download World IBD Day social tiles: Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • LinkedIn
- Download World IBD Day – #GotGuts Instagram story template here
- Download World IBD Day Facebook frame template here
Working from Home? The Facebook social tile is the perfect size for a Zoom or Microsoft Teams ‘Virtual Background’ too!
Fundraising During May
We know that many of CCA’s supporters love to fundraise and raise awareness of Crohn’s and colitis in their community or workplace at this time of year.
If you’d like to raise awareness of IBD in your own community or do your own fundraising activity this year, see below for a list of ideas to get you started and more.
- Fundraising Ideas
- How Do I Set Up An Online Fundraising Page
- Request a Promo Pack
- We’re Here To Help
Get your purple ribbon!
CCA has purple Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month Ribbons available for purchase.
Wear yours proudly during May and on World IBD Day – Wednesday 19 May 2021.
The ribbons are $3 each or get a pack of 10 for $27.
Shine a Light – World IBD Day
On World IBD Day – Wednesday 19 May 2021, landmarks and buildings across Australia will light up purple – the international awareness colour for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Please note light up sites are subject to change. Make sure you check our website in the lead-up to World IBD Day.
List of locations for you to go have a look at with your family and friends on 19 May:
| State | City | Location |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | Canberra | Telstra Tower Old Parliament House National Carillon |
| NSW | Coffs Harbour | Big Banana |
| Newcastle | City Hall Clock Tower | |
| Sydney | Manly Town Hall | |
| QLD | Gold Coast | SkyPoint |
| Brisbane | Story Bridge | |
| Tropical Dome | ||
| Townsville | Townsville sign Victoria Bridge Wharton Reef Lighthouse George Roberts Bridge Old Magistrates Court House Little Fletcher Bridge | |
| SA | Adelaide | Adelaide Oval |
| TAS | Launceston | City Hall |
| VIC | Melbourne | Town Hall Federation Square (north facade screens) |
| Geelong | Catenary Lighting | |
| Ballarat | Town Hall Clock Lake Wendouree Fountain Eureka Centre Fountain | |
| Wodonga | Water Tower | |
| WA | Perth | Optus Stadium Trafalgar Bridge Council House The Bell Tower |
Share your photos on social media and tag us using the campaign hashtags #FlushTheStigma #GotGuts #WorldIBDDay2021.
Connect with us
Stay informed and connected during Awareness Month by following CCA on social media. We would love to hear from you!
Be sure to use the following hashtags when you post about the campaign:
#FlushTheStigma #GotGuts #WorldIBDDay2021
Media release
For media enquiries, contact Rachel Gemmell on 0428 998 279 or email [email protected]
Crohn’s & Colitis Australia’s 2021 Awareness Month is supported by Janssen Australia and New Zealand, Dr Falk Australia, Takeda Australia and Sandoz Australia.
All content is independently produced by Crohn’s & Colitis Australia.