91热爆

With the money raised during the appeal ERIC will be able to offer emotional and practical support delivered by expert advisers to over 1,100 children and teenagers and their families via the free helpline".

We were delighted by the incredible generosity of the 91热爆 Radio 4 listeners and ERIC's loyal donors. Over four hundred people donated £23,600 to support children and teenagers with continence problems. While those conditions are very common, they are rarely talked about due to the stigma and misunderstandings that surround them.

During the appeal, Dr Anne Wright, ERIC’s president, shared Connor's story. Connor said: “Great to hear about all the donations, I never imagined the appeal would raise so much money. I'm very grateful for all the help and encouragement I've had from ERIC. When I first got in touch, I was still wetting my bed several times a week, sometimes every night in the week and to think how far I have come. And now I wake up dry every day and it’s amazing, something I never imagined I would achieve. I have been very nervous about sharing my story, but I am so glad I did. The more I talk about it, the easier it is. I have reached a stage now where I wouldn't be ashamed to admit I was a bedwetter into my 20s and again that's thanks to the support of ERIC.”

Across the UK a hidden community of nearly one million children and young people struggle with bowel and bladder conditions. Finding support to overcome those issues isn’t easy. Many paediatric continence services are closing due to lack of funding. Some families battle with their GP, health visitor and paediatrician for years to get help. Many young people are told to wait to grow out of it.

Impacts on a young person’s life are life-ruining and include school absences often for weeks at a time, feelings of fear, anxiety and shame, bullying, social rejection and isolation.

“Absolutely fantastic. The lady I spoke to over the phone about my son’s bowel problems was supportive, sensitive and knowledgeable. Before calling ERIC’s helpline I saw my GP and health visitor. Months later my son’s condition had not improved. After just one 40-minute phone call I had the advice I needed. His condition and our family life have vastly improved.” Helpline caller 18 August 2019

£21,000 could pay for 15 workshops and networking events for parents and carers. The workshop aims to inform and educate parents, carers and young people. When parents meet other families with the same issues, the fear, isolation and shame are reduced.

“We have been struggling for three years and our son is now at school and becoming aware of his situation. ERIC was my final hope and the team delivered more than expected. We now have the knowledge, resources and the confidence to turn this around for our son, no matter how long it takes. We are also both on the same page with the problem, which is a huge. This is going to impact on our family and our son's future enormously. It's life changing for us, without exaggeration.” Parent who attended a free workshop in Peterborough on 28 August 2019.

The money donated by the Radio 4 audience could also cover the cost of maintaining the website for 7 months. 50,000 children, teenagers, parents/carers and education and health professionals visit the ERIC website every month to get information and free downloadable resources.

Thank you so much to everyone who donated to the appeal.

To read more about the work of ERIC visit :