Ashton Old Baths joins campaign supporting men with incontinence

Ashton Old Baths has joined The BOG STANDARD Charter, focused on improving facilities for men with incontinence.

Ashton Old Baths has become the latest organisation in Greater Manchester to join The BOG STANDARD Charter, a national initiative led by Prostate Cancer UK and hygiene services provider phs Group.

The Ashton-under-Lyne venue has installed specially designed sanitary bins in all male washrooms to support men living with incontinence, including many who experience it following prostate cancer treatment.

Around 300 people use the building each week, with the majority of visitors being men. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, and around 60 percent of those receiving life-saving treatment can experience incontinence as a side effect.

By installing the bins, Ashton Old Baths has achieved Bronze accreditation under The BOG STANDARD Charter, which encourages organisations to improve facilities for men with incontinence.

Fiona Ogden of Ashton Old Baths said the decision was inspired by a television feature highlighting the challenges faced by men with prostate cancer and incontinence, saying:

“Having sanitary bins is something women often take for granted. We realised men should have access to the same facilities and wanted to make a difference.”

More than 2,000 organisations across the UK have now signed up to The BOG STANDARD Charter, with over 24,000 male sanitary bins installed since the campaign launched in 2023.

Prostate Cancer UK and phs Group hope the initiative will encourage more businesses and public venues to provide better facilities and support for men living with incontinence.