Breaking the Stigma: Local Initiative Tackles Men’s Health and Hygiene in Partnership with Cancer Focus NI
22nd Nov 2024
This Movember, a month dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health, NI Washrooms is taking a bold step towards addressing a hidden yet significant issue faced by men: the lack of hygiene disposal bins in male toilets. #boysneedbins
Breaking the Stigma: Local Initiative Tackles Men’s Health and Hygiene in Partnership with Cancer Focus NI
This Movember, a month dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health, NI Washrooms is taking a bold step towards addressing a hidden yet significant issue faced by men: the lack of hygiene disposal bins in male toilets.
In partnership with Cancer Focus NI, the #BoysNeedBins campaign is shining a spotlight on the need for hygiene bins in men’s washrooms, offering a practical solution to help thousands of men live with dignity and tackle the stigma surrounding incontinence and prostate cancer.
Why Male Hygiene Bins Matter
For decades, legislation has ensured that female toilets include sanitary disposal facilities, but no such provision exists for men. This is despite the fact that 1 in 3 men over the age of 65 suffer from incontinence, and many men who undergo treatment for prostate cancer—a condition that affects nearly 500,000 men in the UK—require a discreet and hygienic way to dispose of pads, catheters, or other medical waste.
Without these facilities, many men are left with no choice but to use disabled toilets, leave waste behind in exposed bins, on the floor or even carry it home. This lack of proper disposal options not only impacts dignity but perpetuates the stigma surrounding these health issues.
A Local Solution With a Big Impact
To address this gap, we’re proud to launch male hygiene bins, specially designed for male toilets, as part of our collaboration with Cancer Focus NI. These bins will be provided and maintained at no additional cost to businesses, with 100% of customer charges (excluding VAT) donated to Cancer Focus NI. This funding supports their vital work by providing counselling and support groups for local men living with prostate cancer.
By supporting this initiative, businesses will not only demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility but also contribute directly to a cause that improves men’s quality of life.
Be Prostate Cancer Aware
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide, with certain groups—such as Black men and those with a family history of the disease—being 2.5 times more likely to develop it. Early detection saves lives, so it’s crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Painful urination or ejaculation
- Blood in urine or semen
- Persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs
While these symptoms may not always signal a serious condition, it’s always best to talk to your GP about any concerns.
How You Can Help
By joining the #BoysNeedBins campaign, you’re not just supporting a practical solution for men’s hygiene—you’re raising awareness, reducing stigma, and directly funding Cancer Focus NI’s life-changing work. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community for men facing these challenges.
For more information about the campaign or to get involved, visit www.niwashrooms.com/boysneedbins.
Let’s make this Movember count. #BoysNeedBins #MensHealth #ProstateCancerAwareness #Movember #CancerFocusNI
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