When you’re diagnosed with IBD, it’s easy to feel lost.

There’s so much to take in - symptoms, tests, treatments, and what it all means for you.

Many people turn to the internet for answers, but it can be overwhelming, and information can be confusing, unreliable or out of date. This makes it harder to feel confident about your health and decisions about your care.

We created IBDmate so you don’t have to search for information alone.

IBDmate is here to support you in your learning, with clear, trusted information and real stories from people who’ve been there too.

IBDmate gives you reliable information, explained by experts and shared by people with IBD, so you can feel more confident about your condition and care decisions.

IBD can be complicated - finding good information shouldn’t be.

IBDmate is an online platform designed to help you understand and manage inflammatory bowel disease, designed by patients, for patients. It’s a simple to use, reliable resource recommended by your IBD care team - a unique code gives you access to a wealth of information delivered in a way that works for everyone.

  • Trusted information
    Every video is reviewed and approved by healthcare professionals who specialise in IBD.
  • Guidance at every stage
    Whether you’re newly diagnosed, starting a new treatment, or just want to feel more confident in daily life.
  • Real experiences
    Stories and information from people living with IBD.
  • Always up to date
    IBDmate information is regularly reviewed, and new content added
  • Notes and reflections
    Space to privately record your thoughts and questions
  • Accessible anywhere
    Use IBDmate on your phone, tablet, laptop or desktop without needing to download an app.
  • Free to use
    Available at no cost for patients, families and carers.
  • Designed with patients, for patients
    Created by people who live with IBD, alongside leading NHS teams.
  • Easy to understand
    Clear explanations of symptoms, tests, treatments and everyday challenges, glossary and FAQs for extra clarity.
  • Supported by hospitals
    Developed and tested with leading NHS IBD teams, including Addenbrooke’s and St Mark’s.

Our two versions of IBDmate means you can get the information that’s right for you:

IBDmate for adults

Videos and articles about living with IBD as an adult, focussing on the important topic of treatments and medicines.

Got a code?
Go to IBDmate

IBDmate for children and young people

Age-appropriate videos and articles on a wide range of topics, designed specifically to support children, young people and families.

Got a code?
Go to IBDmate

How to access IBDmate

Using IBDmate is simple - all you need is a code from your hospital.

If your hospital is using IBDmate:

Our two versions of IBDmate means you can get the information that’s right for you:

If you don’t have a code yet:

Ask your IBD team whether your hospital uses IBDmate. If they don’t, let us know you’d like them to. 

  • IBDmate is free to use: there’s no cost for patients, families or NHS teams
  • No downloads needed: IBDmate is a website, not an app. Just open it in your browser on any phone, tablet, laptop or desktop to create your account.

IBDmate is for everyone

IBD doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed - it impacts parents, partners, siblings, friends and colleagues too.

IBDmate is a great resource for the people around you to learn about IBD too, helping them to understand what you’re going through and how best to support you.

For parents and carers

When a child is diagnosed with IBD, it can feel overwhelming for the whole family. Parents often have as many questions as their children, and need support too. 

  • Age-appropriate resources - the version of IBDmate for children and young people explains IBD in simple, reassuring ways you can explore together, and features videos of other young patients
  • Guidance for families - practical advice to help you support your child at home, at school and during hospital visits.
  • Shared learning - watch videos together or make notes separately, whatever works best for your family.

IBDmate FAQs

Is IBDmate free?
Yes. IBDmate is completely free to use for patients, families and carers.
Is IBDmate an app?
No. IBDmate is a website, not an app. That means there’s nothing to download — just open it in your browser on any phone, tablet, laptop or desktop. You can even add a shortcut to your home screen for quick access.
Why do I need an access code?
Some hospitals give patients a unique code to access IBDmate. This lets your IBD team personalise information for you — for example, about your treatment, upcoming procedures or challenges like school or mental health.
What if my hospital doesn’t use IBDmate yet?
Ask your IBD team whether they can start using IBDmate. You can also let us know you’d like your hospital to use IBDmate and we’ll contact them.
Does IBDmate replace my IBD team?
No. IBDmate is designed to support your care, not replace it. Always contact your IBD team if you have any concerns about your health.
How do I know the information is accurate and age-appropriate?
All content is reviewed by IBD specialists such as doctors, nurses, dietitians and psychologists. The version for children and young people is carefully designed with age in mind, so younger patients only see information that’s suitable for them.
Who is IBDmate for?
IBDmate is for anyone affected by Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or IBDU, including patients, families, friends and schools. Adult patients and young patients have separate versions tailored to suit their needs.
Is my information private?
Yes. We take privacy seriously. We do not have access to your medical records, and any information you share with us is stored securely in line with GDPR.

Want to have IBDmate at your hospital?

If your hospital doesn’t use IBDmate yet, let us know. We’ll reach out to your IBD team to explore how they can start using IBDmate, so more patients and families can benefit.

We love to hear from you, whether it’s feedback on IBDmate, questions about using it, or ideas for new content.

Get in touch