ERIC Conference 2026

Choose from 1 of these 4 options

Workshop 1 - Motivation for Change

Dr Cleo Williamson - Clinical Psychologist specialising in children and young people.

Supporting children with toileting difficulties can be emotionally and physically exhausting for everyone involved. When progress feels slow or setbacks continue, children and families often experience fatigue, frustration and a sense of hopelessness. Over time, this can reduce engagement with the very support designed to help.

Delivered by a Paediatric Clinical Psychologist, this training explores how to rebuild hope, strengthen motivation and create meaningful, achievable steps towards change. Grounded in compassion and evidence based psychological principles, it will help professionals understand the emotional barriers that sit beneath resistance, reframe challenges, and work collaboratively with families to reignite confidence and momentum.

Workshop 2 - Managing Bladder and Bowel Needs in Educational Settings

Davina Richardson - Specialist Children's Nurse, Bladder & Bowel UK & Co-chair of Paediatric Continence Forum

Many healthcare professionals and families report that their children who have bladder and/or bowel health issues face difficulties in managing toileting and associated needs in educational settings.

This workshop will consider the perspectives of the learner, their family, healthcare professionals and education staff to provide a wide understanding of the challenges and needs involved.

Delegates will be offered information on the relevant legislation and guidance to promote inclusive practice within nurseries and school settings.  The session will offer practical strategies to overcome barriers to access, promote dignity and support children not fully participate in education.

Workshop 3 - What can the paediatric continence workforce expect from Occupational Therapy, and how to make an effective referral

Moffat Mokomo - Paediatric Occupational Therapist 

This session will explore the role of Occupational Therapy (OT) in supporting children and young people with bladder and bowel difficulties, particularly where sensory processing, emotional regulation, and functional skills impact continence. It will outline how OTs complement the work of the paediatric continence workforce, offering practical insights into assessment, intervention, and collaborative working.

Attendees will gain clarity on when to refer to OT, what information to include in a high-quality referral, and how joint working can improve outcomes for children and families.

Workshop 4- FGM and Incontinence

Professor Nikki Cottrell - Professor of Nursing in Continence Care, Centre for Health and Clinical Research, UWE Bristol and BABCON HIT Director, Bristol Health Partners AHSC

Many healthcare professionals working in children's bladder and bowel services, school nursing and health visiting may encounter girls, young women and families affected by female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C). This workshop will introduce FGM/C, explore its potential physical and psychological impacts, and consider why it is an important issue for professionals working across paediatric and family services from a bladder perspective.

Drawing on a programme of research developed through engagement with Somali women and communities, Professor Nikki Cotterill will describe how concerns around FGM/C emerged from work to improve access to bladder and bowel services, highlight the current evidence gaps surrounding FGM/C and continence, and share insights from recent qualitative research with women with lived experience. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on the implications for their services and the children and families they meet.

The session will also explore the need for greater awareness across the wider multidisciplinary professional workforce and outline future directions for research designed to improve understanding, support and care.

Choose 1 of the 4 options

Workshop 1 - Motivation for Change

Dr Cleo Williamson - Clinical Psychologist specialising in children and young people.

Supporting children with toileting difficulties can be emotionally and physically exhausting for everyone involved. When progress feels slow or setbacks continue, children and families often experience fatigue, frustration and a sense of hopelessness. Over time, this can reduce engagement with the very support designed to help.

Delivered by a Paediatric Clinical Psychologist, this training explores how to rebuild hope, strengthen motivation and create meaningful, achievable steps towards change. Grounded in compassion and evidence based psychological principles, it will help professionals understand the emotional barriers that sit beneath resistance, reframe challenges, and work collaboratively with families to reignite confidence and momentum.

Workshop 2 - Managing Bladder and Bowel Needs in Educational Settings

Davina Richardson - Specialist Children's Nurse, Bladder & Bowel UK & Co-chair of Paediatric Continence Forum

Many healthcare professionals and families report that their children who have bladder and/or bowel health issues face difficulties in managing toileting and associated needs in educational settings.

This workshop will consider the perspectives of the learner, their family, healthcare professionals and education staff to provide a wide understanding of the challenges and needs involved.

Delegates will be offered information on the relevant legislation and guidance to promote inclusive practice within nurseries and school settings.  The session will offer practical strategies to overcome barriers to access, promote dignity and support children not fully participate in education

Workshop 3 - Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: Optimising Activation, Preventing Compensations, and Facilitating Progression.

Louise O’Reilly - Chartered Physiotherapist.

This practical session focuses on the assessment, activation, and progression of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training. Participants will develop skills in identifying correct pelvic floor muscle contractions, recognising and preventing common compensatory strategies, and implementing appropriate exercise progressions based on patient ability and clinical presentation.

Through demonstration and peer practice, we will explore verbal cueing, observation, and clinical reasoning to optimise pelvic floor activation. You will practice modifying exercise positions and load; to safely progress pelvic floor training from low-load activation in supported positions to more functional and task-specific exercises relevant to daily activities. Biofeedback as a supportive adjunct will also be explored at the end of the session, highlighting how it can assist with improving patient awareness, facilitating correct muscle activation, and supporting motor learning during pelvic floor muscle training.

Workshop 4 - Filling the gaps: Providing a “Constipation Curriculum” for parents of children with chronic constipation.

Dr Tabitha Ashley-Norman & Dr Sadia Zaman

Caring for a child with chronic constipation can be a complex journey for parents and caregivers, with many people feeling powerless in their ability to support their child. A key part of achieving healthy bowels is equipping caregivers with the knowledge necessary to navigate treatment pathways and promote prevention. In this workshop, two resident doctors will present a “Constipation Curriculum”, which they recently published in the Clinical Paediatrics. Delegates will learn which areas in the complex field of constipation education are most valued by caregivers and healthcare professionals. They highlight the voices of parents who were interviewed as part of the research, encouraging delegates to reflect on these experiences and discuss how we can further support parents in the future.