ERIC, The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity, are back with their biennial conference. Healthcare professionals can expect talks on cutting-edge research, interactive workshops, practical demonstrations and much more.
ERIC’s 2026 conference is a chance for professionals across the field of paediatric continence to join together, at a time when more children than ever are in need. Delegates can network, share research and practical guidance, update professional skills, and access the industry’s latest equipment and expertise, at the event in Bristol on 12th October 2026.
Together for 35 years
1.5 million children in the UK are affected by a bowel or bladder condition. 2026 marks ERIC’s 35th anniversary, so their conference theme is ‘Together for 35 years: leading change in paediatric bowel and bladder health’. Join the children’s charity in celebrating the changemakers in the sector and looking at innovations which are influencing the face of patient care.
The event is an opportunity to network with people at the forefront of improving health outcomes for children. ERIC will be looking at the latest research and techniques in the field, as they work towards their vision of healthier bowels and bladders for all children and young people.
What to expect
ERIC’s conference aims to:
- Bring the latest research to the forefront of practice.
- Highlight the impact of bladder and bowel problems on children of all ages and needs.
- Bring together the multi-disciplinary team to learn from each other.
- Create opportunities for networking and sharing practice.
A breakfast symposium will start a day packed with speakers highlighting the latest research and developments in paediatric continence care. Programme highlights include Mo Belel, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, discussing how to manage the growing challenge of the ketamine bladder. Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Bristol, Carol Joinson, presenting Biopsychosocial factors and paediatric incontinence. Alina Lynden, Postgraduate Researcher within the School of Health and Social Wellbeing at the University of the West of England (UWE), presenting her research in partnership with ERIC, on Parents’ Experiences of Supporting Children Through Toilet Training. Dr Cleo Williamson, Paediatric Clinical Psychologist, sharing Motivation for Change- exploring how to rebuild hope and strengthen motivation.
There will be a range of exhibitors at the conference, a choice of workshop sessions and the opportunity to share your work and to view others via poster presentations.
Making children’s lives better
Siân Wicks, CEO of ERIC, The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity, says:
“Improving outcomes for children and young people requires collaborative working across the sector. We are proud to hold our Conference this year. It is the perfect opportunity to celebrate success, share best practice, and work together on solutions that will make children’s lives better.
It is a fabulous opportunity to network, and by supporting our conference, you are contributing to the vital work that ERIC is leading on for children and families across the UK.
Thank you, from all of us at ERIC, for supporting this event and, by extension, the 1.5 million children across the UK currently living with a bowel or bladder condition. Together, we are making a difference.”
This year’s ERIC Conference is at The Grand Hotel by Sunday in Bristol on Monday 12 October 2026.
Read more and buy tickets at: www.eric.org.uk/conference-2026
