Rochdale AFC installs 26 male sanitary bins to support fans after prostate cancer treatment

Rochdale AFC has installed 26 specially designed sanitary bins in men's toilets at the Crown Oil Arena as part of a national drive to make live sport more accessible to men living with incontinence, including some who have undergone treatment for prostate cancer.

The club launched its involvement in the Back in the Game initiative at its home opener against Crawley Town, becoming the latest sporting organisation to sign up to the BOG STANDARD Charter run by Prostate Cancer UK and hygiene services provider phs Group.

Tobi Adebayo-Rowling helped launch the initiative ahead of the match alongside Dale director Richard Knight and Jez Williams of phs Group.

The campaign focuses on a practical problem which can prevent some men from returning to football grounds and other public venues after cancer treatment: finding a suitable place to dispose of male incontinence products discreetly and hygienically.

Rochdale AFC says specially designed bins have now been installed across its male toilets. The club has received Bronze accreditation under the BOG STANDARD Charter, which represents the installation of appropriate sanitary bins for men.

Silver accreditation also requires male incontinence products to be made available, while Gold adds a commitment to promoting awareness of prostate cancer and incontinence.

Richard Knight, who has personal experience of prostate cancer, said the club wanted supporters to feel able to return to the activities and social connections that matter to them following treatment.

He said: ‘Inclusion is important to us at the Club, and we didn’t ever want to think of any of our fans being unable to join.’

Mr Knight said seeing friends, spending time with family and attending matches can all form part of getting back into everyday life after treatment, and that the club wanted to remove a practical barrier for supporters.

WHY THE BINS MATTER

Urinary incontinence can affect men for a range of reasons and can occur following some treatments for prostate cancer. Men who use absorbent pads may need access to a sanitary bin large enough to dispose of them discreetly when away from home.

Prostate Cancer UK says prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK. Its current risk information states that around one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, rising to around one in four Black men.

The charity has argued that a lack of suitable disposal facilities in men's toilets can cause anxiety and embarrassment and, in some cases, discourage people from going out or returning to activities they previously enjoyed.

Nick Ridgman, Head of Support Services at Prostate Cancer UK, said the campaign is intended to make public venues more welcoming for men living with urinary incontinence and welcomed Rochdale AFC's decision to join.

The Back in the Game campaign specifically works with sports clubs because attending live sport can be an important part of people's social lives and routines. Campaign organisers said that, as of the Rochdale launch, 177 sports clubs across the UK had signed up to the BOG STANDARD, with 873 specially designed sanitary bins for men installed through the initiative.

Matthew Brabin, chief executive of phs Group, said some men can feel anxious about leaving home after prostate cancer treatment when they are uncertain whether suitable facilities will be available. He said the campaign aims to remove that barrier and help people resume normal social activities.

The wider Dispose with Dignity campaign, run by phs Group with Prostate Cancer UK since 2023, has called for better provision for men with incontinence in public toilets.

SUPPORT FOR MEN IN ROCHDALE

Anyone worried about their prostate cancer risk, going through treatment or living with its effects can contact Prostate Cancer UK's Specialist Nurses on 0800 074 8383. The charity also provides information and support through its website.

People with new or persistent urinary symptoms should seek medical advice. Urinary problems do not necessarily mean prostate cancer, but symptoms should be assessed appropriately rather than self-diagnosed.

Rochdale AFC's decision means supporters who need to dispose of male incontinence products can now do so in designated bins within the Crown Oil Arena's male toilets.

Further information about the Back in the Game campaign is available through phs Group, while prostate cancer information and support is available from Prostate Cancer UK.

Do facilities such as these make local sports venues easier to use? Rochdale Daily welcomes readers' experiences at news@rochdaledaily.co.uk.