PRE-SURGERY PEER CHAT
We Understand How Important A Chat Can Be.
We Understand How Important A Chat Can Be.
Preparing for OOKP surgery can often feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to consider, not only medically, but emotionally and practically. While your clinical team will answer medical questions regarding the procedure itself, many people tell us, what they really need most is conversations with someone who's been through the same experience, so they can ask questions and gain answers which are on their mind.
That’s where our Pre-Surgery Peer Chat Service comes in. Tailored to your needs, we answer the emotional questions professionals are unable to answer, because they don't live the OOKP life.
Our service gives you the chance to connect one-to-one or in a small group with peers who understand your journey.
People who've asked the same questions you’re thinking about right now.
People who can share real, lived experience.
People who understand the frustration and stress these questions cause
Our Pre-Surgery Peer Chat Service is a safe, compassionate space for people considering or preparing for OOKP surgery, to talk openly with trained peer supporters and fellow patients, regarding any aspect of surgery they have doubts about.
Please be aware. Peer support isn’t clinical advice — it’s shared experience and understanding, to help you build confidence, reduce anxiety, and feel more prepared for the road ahead.
Peer conversations can help you explore questions and emotions which don’t always come up in clinical settings, such as:
What questions should I ask my surgical team?
What worries should I expect before surgery?
How did others cope emotionally in the days and weeks before their procedure?
What practical preparations helped others feel more ready?
How did people manage family concerns and relationships before surgery?
and many, many more questions.....
Research shows, peer support improves preparedness and emotional confidence before surgery or major health decisions. People who participate in peer support, often feel more informed and empowered going into their procedure. Peer support also allows people to ask questions they find difficult asking their medical team.
Peer support:
Helps you feel understood and heard
Builds emotional resilience and confidence
Provides emotional tools for anxiety, fear, or uncertainty
Encourages connection with people who “get it”
It's imp[ortant to understand, this service complements your clinical care — it doesn’t replace it. Peer support focuses on shared experience, not clinical management
Our 1-2-1 service allows you to talk privately with an experienced peer supporter who has lived experience with the OOKP journey. As our service is run entirely by volunteers, these chats are arranged at times that work for you and your peer, and can take place:
By phone
Via video call
Through messaging or email if preferred
Group chats offer support in a safe, welcoming setting, where you can hear from others in similar stages of preparation.
Every group chat is facilitated by trained volunteers, who help ensure every voice is respected and supported.
Whether taking part in 1-2-1 or group peer support, you're welcome to bring up anything you feel is important, such as:
Questions about what life feels like shortly before surgery
Coping with anxiety or uncertainty
Practical tips for managing appointments and planning support at home
Emotional expectations and coping strategies
Family and caregiver conversations
Anything else on your mind — no topic is off limits
📧 Email: ourookpservice@gmail.com
Subject Line: Peer Chat
Let us know you’re interested in the Pre-Surgery Peer Chat Service.
Please include:
Your name
Whether you prefer one-to-one or small group service
Best way and times to contact you
Attach or include in main email, copy of questionnaire below, to ensure correct service is provided
We aim to reply within 2–3 working days.
We’ll ask a few simple questions about what you’d like to talk about; givenin the questionnaire below (which should be included in your email); and how you’d prefer to connect (phone, video call, etc.).
We’ll match you with a peer supporter or group session which feels appropriate for answering your questions. We’ll schedule your conversation at a time which works for you and our volunteers, with support provided every step of the way.
Please be aware, when using this service, your privacy is always respected. All peer conversations are confidential and guided by empathy, respect, and lived experience — not clinical direction.
✔ You're preparing for OOKP surgery
✔ You want to feel more emotionally prepared
✔ You’d like practical insight from someone who's been through it
✔ You want support before surgery, not just after
While peer support can help with emotional and practical readiness, it does not replace medical advice or clinical care. Always discuss your surgical decisions and medical questions with your consultant or clinical team.
Simply email us today at:
Subject Line: Peer Chat
Including the completed questionnaire below; and we’ll help you take the first step toward feeling confidently prepared for your OOKP journey.
Please complete this brief form and send it with your email. This helps us tailor support to your needs.
Full Name:
Preferred Email:
Phone Number (optional):
(Highlight one)
☐ Phone call
☐ Video call (Zoom/Teams/WhatsApp)
☐ Messaging / email support
Examples: questions about surgery preparation; talking about fears or expectations; practical tips for recovery.
(Open-ended)
(Open-ended — what’s on your mind?)
(Highlight one)
☐ Emotional support / reassurance
☐ Practical tips from lived experience
☐ Talking about expectations and “what it’s really like”
☐ Information about daily life changes after surgery
☐ Other (please explain)
(Open-ended if “Other”)
(Optional — anything that will help them understand you better)
(e.g., interpreter needed, captioned video, prefer text only)
(Please list your availability if you have one.)
We’ll review your answers and contact you with proposed times and formats. If you have any questions regarding this questionnaire, please email ourookpservice@gmail.com.