Thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, ERIC, The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity are delighted to be offering a drop in support group for parents and carers in the Bristol area.
Run by friendly facilitators, ‘Engaged’ is for anyone caring for a child or young person under the age of 19 with a bladder or bowel problem. For the first time in this area, it will provide a welcoming place to meet other people, have a coffee and share stories.
Parents and carers will be able to:
- Find a listening ear and understanding from others
- Exchange practical information and skills for managing day to day challenges
- Get signposting information about relevant community services and how to access them
- Gain knowledge and confidence to advocate on behalf of their child in nursery, school or with health professionals
- A closed Facebook Group will also be available for members to join
Why is a group like this needed?
Juliette Randall, ERIC’s CEO says: “More than 8,000 young people in Bristol have a bowel or bladder problem, a figure which is very likely under reported. Research shows that only 1 in 3 families seek help because of the social stigma and lack of knowledge of local services.
Caring for a child or young person with a wee or poo problem can be lonely and stressful. ERIC knows families find comfort and practical support from online groups, but parents have told us time and again that these cannot replicate face-to-face support and often cannot connect people living in the same local communities.”
How can I join?
For more information and to join, email our facilitators Lucy and Sarah: engaged@eric.org.uk or call 0117 9805938. Details of the dates and venues for upcoming drop in groups will be posted here: www.eric.org.uk/engagedinBristol
How about other areas in the future?
If successful, ERIC will use the findings of this project to build a funding case to deliver this work in more locations across the UK where we know there is already demand from within our community.
