The ERIC Helpline Podcast: for families with children affected by bowel and bladder conditions

In a special episode, Former England Rugby Captain Lewis Moody, who lives with ulcerative colitis, meets 15-year-old Jake. Jake has suffered with bowel problems since birth. Long hospital stays meant he missed childhood experiences and struggled in school. ERIC helped his family throughout their journey to ileostomy surgery, and beyond. He’s now using his experiences to help others as part of ERIC's Christmas Appeal this year.

Read more about Jake's story and support our appeal here: https://eric.org.uk/eric-christmas-appeal-2025-jakes-story/

Developmental Psychologist Dr Kate McGarry and ERIC's Head of Family Services Sarah answer your questions about laxatives and how they are used to treat childhood constipation.

In a shorter extract from our last episode, Developmental Psychologist Dr Kate McGarry and ERIC's Head of Family Services Sarah discuss the mindset behind poo withholding and what's going on inside a child's brain when they're refusing to poo on the potty or toilet.

In the second of a two-part series, Developmental Psychologist Dr Kate McGarry joins ERIC's Head of Family Services Sarah to discuss why some children hold onto their poo and how to guide them into healthy toileting habits.

What is toilet anxiety and how can you help your child overcome it? ERIC Nurse Sunni and Head of Family Services Sarah discuss the issue and how to encourage healthy toileting habits. For more information, visit our website: https://eric.org.uk/information/toilet-anxiety/.

In a very special episode, TV star Mollie Pearce, who lives with a stoma, meets 8-year-old Katie, who recently had a colostomy stoma formed. Painful bowel problems meant Katie spent lots of her early years in hospital, missing school and childhood experiences. After receiving support from ERIC, and having her stoma formed, her life has been transformed for the better. Here, she shares her journey and explains why everyone should support ERIC.

Read more about Katie's story and support our appeal here: https://eric.org.uk/eric-summer-appeal/

ERIC's Head of Family Services Sarah and Helpline Advisor Hollie discuss how to potty train children with additional needs and answer some of the most common questions.

ERIC's Head of Family Services Sarah answers your questions and offers information on how to support children who experience bedwetting.

This episode is kindly sponsored by Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

ERIC Nurse Sunni and Helpline Advisor Louise answer your questions and offer information on how to potty train your child, as well as looking at some of the common issues that occur when you begin potty training for the first time.

In the first of a two-part series, Sarah, Head of Family Services, and Helpline Advisor Louise, answer your questions and offer information on how to support children who are withholding their poo and encourage them to poo on the potty or toilet.