Voices for Change Report

One in 9 children in the UK are now living with a bowel or bladder condition. This has a huge impact on their and their families’ lives and can be devastating.

The embarrassment and shame surrounding continence problems means that many young people and their families suffer in silence with no-one to turn to.

ERIC, The Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity, supported by Health Innovation West of England, wanted to investigate this issue and open a dialogue with young people, schools and local authorities to tackle the problems identified.

A survey was conducted from November 2023 to January 2024 by ERIC’s Young Champions, a group of young people aged 12 to 19 from across the UK with lived experience of bowel and bladder conditions. They were recruited, trained and supported by Participation People, a team of youth engagement, participation and co-production experts working across the UK.

By highlighting the insights gained from  this research, we hope to drive change that  can ensure that all children and young people  live a happy, healthy life, regardless of any  bowel or bladder issue they may face.