North East Ostomates Support Group are inviting the local stoma community to a suppliers day at the Masonic Hall in Appin Street on Saturday.

Representatives of all seven major suppliers of stomas from Melbourne will be present from 10am to 2pm to offer patients information and samples of their products to give the best care to locals who live with stomas.

Support group member Graeme Pitts said the day held every 18 months in Wangaratta was extremely beneficial.

“There's always new products coming on the market. And they always do something a little bit different,” he said.

“People can come in, speak to and spend as much time as they like with each of the suppliers.”

The local ostomates support group meet five times per year and are open to any new members who may be going through a period of stress while living with a stoma.

“It's what we call a hidden disability, because nobody knows that you've got one,” Mr Pitts said.

“We will have a supplier come to each of our meetings and you can ask any questions as you like.”