1 in 12 children between aged 5 to 19 suffers with a bowel or bladder problem. This equates to almost 1 million children in the UK affected by continence problems. The disadvantages are huge and can lead to anxiety, stress, isolation, and bullying. 30% of children report being punished when they wet or soil themselves. They describe a sense of helplessness, guilt and shame, humiliation and victimisation and loss of self-esteem drastically reducing their quality of life.

With the right support, continence problems can in most cases be overcome. Where this isn’t medically possible, expert support can drastically increase a child’s quality of life and positively impact the whole family. The project consists of an helpline staffed by experts who offer one to one support by phone or email to children and teenagers, their families and the professionals who look after them. The ERIC website is packed with life changing information and resources to help families.