ERIC and Elin

24th September 2014 - Press release - Children empowered by charity to speak out about their health needs On Saturday 20th September, young people from across England and Wales took part in a day of confidence building activities at the Mendip Outdoor Pursuits activity centre near Bristol as part of the ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence) children’s panel project alongside adventurer and paediatric nurse Elin Haf Davies. The children’s panel, called ‘Young ERIC’, is a platform for children between the ages of nine and 17 with continence problems to speak about their health needs and contribute to the debate about the care and support of children with continence issues, which affect 1 in 12 children in the UK. ERIC is able to bring these children together thanks to a grant from Children in Need. Elin Haf Davies helps children achieve their dreams no matter the difficulties they encounter by raising awareness of childhood disorders, campaigning and fundraising to develop new medicines, and by giving children the confidence and ability to voice important messages about their health. She is working with ERIC to increase the confidence of the children that will take part in ‘Young ERIC’. The feedback from children who use ERIC’s services highlighted a need for a peer group of young people to input to ERIC’s work and to support each other, hence ‘Young ERIC’ was formed. This was the second day of confidence building workshops, which saw the children doing activities like bushcraft, fire building, marshmallow toasting and making kindling. Both the ERIC nurse, Brenda Cheer, and Helpline Advisor, Jayne Miller, were also there. The workshops are called ‘Cross Your Own Ocean’, which is a nod to Elin’s three successful ocean crossings. Elin said:

"Day two of our Cross Your Own Ocean workshops with the young people was brilliant. Mendip provided great challenges which gave the opportunity for all the children to get stuck in! It was brilliant to see everyone having so much fun and getting on so well. I am sure that these activities will support their confidence and build a strong platform to advise on what young people with continence issues really need."

David Derbyshire, ERIC’s interim CEO, said:

"We’re really excited about how the children’s panel is shaping up and are sure these kids will be a great addition to ERIC. The children will be able to influence the development and delivery of ERIC’s services and help us understand how we can best cater to their needs and the needs of other young people with continence problems.”

ERIC is looking for more children aged between 9 and 16 who have any sort of continence issue to join the children’s panel. To apply to be part of ‘Young Eric’, send an email to info@eric.org.uk.