Campaigns
07 Jul 2023

Breaking the silence on male incontinence

BNB Frank Resized
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The story so far

Men can leak too. But while leaks have traditionally been seen by society as a women's issue, did you know 1 in 3 men over 65 are estimated to have a urinary incontinence problem in the UK? And 1 in 20 men experience bowel incontinence aged over 60.

We've been listening to the stories of men who deal with incontinence. They face anxiety and challenges when they're out and about, especially when they need to dispose of their incontinence pads. This can take a toll on their mental and physical health, even limiting their freedom to leave their homes. But it doesn't have to be this way. 

That's why we launched our incontinence campaign back in February. We're on a mission to tell MPs loud and clear that Boys need Bins. Our goal is to update legislation so that men have access to sanitary bins in male toilets everywhere they go. It's a basic necessity that shouldn't be overlooked.

Boys need Bins Campaign

Our supporters tell their MPs 'Boys need Bins'

Our incredible supporters have sent our letter to their MPs over 1,800 times, reaching 85% of MPs across all four nations in the UK. Male incontinence has now been debated in the House of Commons and the Senedd in Wales, and the UK Government has started recognising the importance of our campaign. 

We're now planning an event in Parliament this September bringing together MPs, industry representatives and patients to push for change. We'll be asking MPs to change legislation, so men have access to sanitary bins wherever they go. It's time the lack of provision is addressed. 

Starting a national conversation

We've caught the attention of the media, getting coverage in national outlets like Channel 4's 'Steph's Packed Lunch', Metro, and BBC News, as well as regional newspapers such as the Jersey Evening Post and the Hampshire Chronicle.

Men have been sharing their stories with millions across the country. 

Change is happening

Thanks to our supporters and corporate partners, change is happening across the country. Winchester Council are now one of the first UK local authorities to install male sanitary bins in their public toilets. 

We've teamed up with phs Group to develop a new male sanitary bin, which businesses are now stocking in their toilets. You can use their interactive map to find your nearest bin. Across the UK 1,500 bins are in place, including in all MOTO service stations. 

Thousands more bins are on order, creating a world where men with incontinence can dispose of their products safely, and with dignity. 

Having somewhere where I can discreetly dispose of my incontinence pads in public is a necessity for me. It's an embarrassing situation, and one that Winchester Council has listened to. They've led the way with the installation of sanitary bins in boys' public loos
Jonathon Hall Boys need Bins supporter
phs Group video

We've also joined forces with TENA Men who are promoting our health messages across major retailers, such as Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury's, Ocado, Boots and multiple pharmacy groups.

There's still more to do, and we need your help

We couldn't have got here without you. If you haven't yet, send our letter to your MP and let them know that Boys need Bins. You can help us reach every MP in all four nations. 

Speak to your local councillors and ask them to be among the first UK local authorities to introduce male sanitary bins in their public loos, like Winchester Council. 

Or go one step further and contact your place of work, or a local business. Ask them to introduce male sanitary bins and let them know why you think it's important. 

Drop us an email if you'd like to get more actively involved with the campaign. We've love to hear from you. 

Send our letter to your MP

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