Touchwood Solihull leads retail industry support for male incontinence

Touchwood Solihull has achieved bronze ‘BOG STANDARD’ Charter Certification following the installation of male incontinence bins in every toilet in the shopping centre.

The ‘BOG STANDARD’ Charter, developed by phs Group in partnership with Prostate Cancer UK, aims to ensure that men have access to the facilities they need to dispose of incontinence waste with dignity.

Touchwood has installed a bin in every toilet cubicle in the shopping centre, to ensure that its male visitors have access to washroom spaces where they can dispose of their waste discreetly and hygienically and feel comfortable using public spaces.

One in eight men will get diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Research by phs Group found that 65 per cent of men who get prostate cancer will become incontinent, some for a few weeks, months and others will live with the condition forever.

Furthermore, 78 per cent of men with incontinence have felt anxious about accessing disposal facilities when leaving home, and 64 per cent of men have not been able to attend major life events due to their incontinence. This has knock on effects on their mental health.

Shopping centres like Touchwood are a regularly used and much-loved public space for many people; a place where they can meet family and friends and enjoy a day out shopping, eating, or going to the cinema. For men living with incontinence, everyday errands and simple pleasures such as a day out can become inaccessible if the appropriate facilities are not provided.

Tony Elvin, general manager at Touchwood, said: “At Touchwood, it is our priority to make our shopping centre as accessible as it can be, so that all our guests can enjoy their visit.

“By adopting ‘BOG STANDARD’, we hope to create a supportive environment for men with incontinence, so they can live as normal a life as possible. We encourage other shopping centres to join us in this initiative and install incontinence bins.”

Clare Danks, The Westgrove Group, added: “We at The Westgrove Group are excited to partner with Touchwood Shopping Centre to implement the ‘BOG STANDARD’ initiative, which focuses on supporting male incontinence. By installing bins in all male cubicles, we are taking a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and comfortable environment for all Touchwood visitors.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing the needs of the community and fostering dignity for everyone. We’re proud to support this important change and hope it encourages open conversations around male incontinence. Together, we can make a positive impact!”

Matthew Brabin, chief executive officer at phs Group, and lead partner of the Dispose with Dignity campaign said: “We know that a lack of facilities is causing lots of men anxiety about leaving the house which is undoubtedly affecting men’s mental health. 

“As a business that puts people at the heart of its products and services, our aim has always been to raise awareness of prostate cancer and male incontinence, eliminate taboos and start a national conversation to get men the support and facilities they deserve. To have an organisation like Torchwood signed up to the BOG STANDARD is a brilliant step in the right direction. Shopping centres are the focal point of many communities, and we hope to see more businesses take its lead sign up to support men with prostate cancer.” 

To find out more about Touchwood, visit the website.