Here’s what our wonderful ERIC volunteers have to say…

Wondering what it’s like to volunteer for ERIC? Some of our current volunteers have given their thoughts on what they get from their roles, and their reasons for volunteering.

We are proud

Here at ERIC, we are incredibly proud of our brilliant bunch of volunteers whether they’re answering calls and emails on the ERIC Helpline from parents/carers needing advice on wee and poo problems; facilitating the webinars that teach families and professionals all about bowels and bladders; helping with vital administration; or working on projects that make our vision possible.

Volunteers are vital for our organisation to reach as many families as we do. We couldn’t do it without them.

Why volunteer at ERIC?

Every volunteer has their own reasons for joining us at ERIC from a wide range of backgrounds. Some are parents who originally came to us for advice on their children’s continence problems and want to give back. Some are healthcare professionals (or former HCPs) who see the growing gap in NHS continence services and want to provide that extra support to families in need. And some have experienced continence problems themselves and want to help children going through what they did.

Each is a valued member of our team, bringing unique knowledge and experience to ERIC. And we love to hear the positive things that they get out of it too! Here are recent comments from our ERIC volunteers about their roles and experiences with us.

What our volunteers say

Fiona, Volunteer Helpline Advisor

After 45 years nursing – 23 in the world of children’s poo and wee – I couldn’t face the day when I wasn’t helping families sort problems anymore. I love giving help to families who feel lost and very unsupported. Volunteering for ERIC adds a bit more structure to my retirement.

Laura*, Volunteer Helpline Advisor

I became a volunteer as I am a parent who had a very constipated daughter for around 6 years. I saw first-hand the impact it had on us as a family and I wanted to help other families feel supported, well-educated and empowered whilst on their own toileting journey. I feel every family should have access to evidence based and consistent advice, and this is ERIC!

*Laura is a false name at our volunteer's request.

I would definitely recommend volunteering to anyone who wants to make a difference. It helps to give you a purpose in life.

James, Volunteer Online Event Facilitator

I chose to volunteer with ERIC because of my own childhood soiling, which continued until I was 11. At the time there was no organisation like ERIC and I felt very isolated and embarrassed that I still had problems using the toilet, which no other children my age seemed to have. By volunteering with ERIC I like to think I am helping to reassure today’s children with these issues, and their parents, that they are not alone and they can overcome their problems.

I like the fact that I am working with a supportive team and that in a small way I am helping children and parents feel less isolated with these issues that the much of the rest of society doesn’t want to talk about.

The comments during the webinars demonstrate just how many children have soiling and wetting problems, and the feedback that ERIC receives shows that parents find the webinars very useful.

I would definitely recommend volunteering to anyone who wants to make a difference. It helps to give you a purpose in life and introduces you to new people, as well as bringing new challenges and new achievements. And, for anyone thinking about employment prospects, it looks great on any application form or CV.

Claire, Volunteer Helpline Advisor

Working for a school nursing service, we use resources from ERIC on a regular basis, so I wanted to give something back to ERIC to say thank you. Living in an area where there is no paediatric continence service, I know how important it is for families to have ERIC to reach out to, so I wanted to have the opportunity to pass on my knowledge to help others.

I like the sense of satisfaction when you are able to set a family off on a journey to help their child overcome their continence difficulties.

ERIC is such a friendly, welcoming team that I couldn’t think of anyone else I would rather volunteer for.

Volunteering gives me a sense of worth, enables me to use some skills and keeps my brain alert... ERIC is an excellent charity to be involved with; a very supportive and friendly team.

Janet, Volunteer Helpline Advisor

I choose to volunteer for ERIC because I was a member of the Professional Advisory Committee and had many years of experience of working in the continence field. I was retiring from the NHS, COVID hit and I really wanted to help the charity and the families.

I like the flexibility of the online role and working with families and the team at ERIC. It is an excellent way for me to keep up to date with the continence field.

I would recommend volunteering to others. The training given is excellent, with good ongoing support and supervision. There is a lot to learn if new to the subject matter, but the team are very supportive. The parents are very grateful for our support and knowledge. And positive feedback is received regularly.

Anne, Volunteer Helpline Advisor

I choose ERIC because of my time working on a Health Visiting Team when I found their work to be excellent. The training received in that role was first rate and enabled us to deliver good care and get desired results for children and their parents. Although I am no longer ‘employed’ I am pleased to still be able to use these skills to support families, even more so now with the reduction in services.

Volunteering gives me a sense of worth, enables me to use some skills and keep my brain alert, and helps to give a sense of proportion. Incontinence, bladder, and bowel problems are all things that no one wants to have, and yet society doesn’t value or wish to fund that need. Closure of public toilets, lack of disabled access, restricted access in schools and increasingly on public transport is a disgrace. I am trying to ‘do my bit’!

ERIC is an excellent charity to be involved with; a very supportive and friendly team. I enjoy what I do.

How to volunteer

All you need to volunteer at ERIC is enthusiasm and a desire to help. Visit our webpage to find out about the variety of volunteering roles available and how to get in touch. If you want to help us in a different way to the roles listed, just contact us for a chat – there are so many ways you could help!

As a volunteer for ERIC, you will be part of a well-respected national charity and will be included as part of our team, giving you the opportunity to influence how we work and to make a difference.

Ultimately, you’ll be making a difference to families who need help with bowel and bladder problems – but we hope you’d get a lot from the roles too, as our current volunteers do.