Journal of Community Nursing

20 JCN 2020,Vol 34, No 4 ERIC’S PAEDIATRIC CONTINENCE CARE CONFERENCE Our next conference for healthcare professionals will take place online on 6th October 2020. In response to feedback from supporters, it has been adapted to a virtual event this year. Taking place every two years, it is the only such event focused on children and teenagers in the UK. Our theme this year is ‘Championing Innovation and Exemplar Practice’ and will offer experienced professionals and those newer to the field the opportunity to engage with a rich mix of new service developments and research. Attendance provides participatory learning hours required for nurses’ revalidation. The e-conference will also offer opportunities to network with other healthcare professionals and to visit virtual stands of exhibitors, without the time and cost of travelling. To find out more about the programme and how to book a place, please visit: www.eric. org.uk/conference2020. We have maintained the fee at the super early bird rate of £105 and have added an option for a team booking of up to four delegates for £140. WHAT’S NEW AT ERIC? It’s an exciting time here at ERIC! We are just embarking on a new three-year strategy and we have secured funding for some great new projects. Peer-to-peer support group Thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, we are delighted to be offering a drop- I t is estimated that one in 12 children and young people in the UK suffer with a wetting or soiling problem, which can have a devastating impact on their family life, social life and self-esteem (NHS Modernisation Agency, 2003). Afraid of wetting themselves in class or on a school trip; too many children and teenagers are missing out on sleepovers and camping trips, being bullied and constantly trying to hide the signs of their‘secret’. Families often suffer in silence, blaming themselves and hoping their child will grow out of it. Left untreated, bladder and bowel problems can cause serious health complications, but with the right treatment and support most children can overcome their problem or learn to manage it. WHAT ERIC DOES TO HELP ERIC, The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity, has been dedicated for over 30 years to improving the lives of all children and teenagers in the UK facing continence challenges. ERIC provides expert support, information and understanding to children and young people and those who care for them so that they can establish good bowel and bladder health for life. Our core services include:  A free helpline service for families and professionals to talk to an expertly trained childhood continence advisor — www.eric.org.uk/helpline  A website full of information and downloadable resources, including many useful documents linked to our Children’s Continence Pathway — www.eric.org.uk  An online shop supplying a comprehensive range of continence products  Paediatric continence training courses for healthcare professionals across the UK to raise standards of continence care  Parent and carer workshops. ERIC is highly regarded as a patient representative group and is a member of the NHS-led National Bladder & Bowel Project, the Bladder and Bowel Confidence Health Integration Team, Excellence in Continence Care Management Board, the Health Conditions in Schools Alliance, and the National Council for Child Health and Wellbeing. ERIC’s CEO is co-chair of the Paediatric Continence Forum, a group of patient representatives, healthcare professionals and company members who campaign to improve services for children and teenagers with bowel and bladder problems. Improving the lives of children/teenagers with continence challenges Viewpoints Jackie Fuidge, learning and development manager, ERIC,The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity ‘Families often suffer in silence, blaming themselves and hoping their child will grow out of it. Left untreated, bladder and bowel problems can cause serious health complications, but with the right treatment and support most children can overcome their problem or learn to manage it.’