Supporting survivors of sexual violence in Scotland

National roll-out of Nurse Sexual Offence Examiners

Specialist nurses trained to examine survivors of sexual assault will be available across Scotland as part of a national roll-out.

Nurse Sexual Offence Examiners (NSOEs) support and examine survivors of sexual violence, providing trauma-informed care and gathering forensic evidence.

Following a test of change backed by over £700,000 of Scottish Government funding, the Lord Advocate approved the national roll-out of the role in March 2026

The change means specialist nurses will now be able to undertake forensic medical examinations and give opinion evidence in court, subject to continuing review of progress.

The expansion will particularly benefit islands and rural areas, which have previously relied on private forensic doctor services to deliver this care.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “It is crucial for any survivor of rape or another sexual offence to be able to access the support they need, in the way they need it.

“The hours after a sexual assault are some of the most difficult a survivor will face. Expanding this specialist nursing role means more survivors will be cared for by compassionate, highly trained professionals. It also means these specialist nurses will be able to give opinion evidence in court.

“This is a significant milestone for Sexual Assault Response Coordination Services throughout Scotland, and I want to thank everyone involved for their dedication and work to make this possible.”

Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS) Network Patient Advocate Kirsty Arnaud said: “Disclosing sexual assault is one of the hardest things a person can do. It takes a considerable amount of courage and strength to attend a SARCS.

“Every survivor who has taken that step deserves timely, compassionate and trauma-informed care. This includes being able to exercise their right to request the preferred sex of the examiner.

“The quality of care a survivor receives post-assault can determine their future mental and physical wellbeing. More survivors should have access to the passionate and dedicated nurses I have been so fortunate to have met during my time as the lived-experience representative for the SARCS Network.

“The role of Nurse SOEs will further enhance this access across SARCS in Scotland. This development reflects the ways the SARCS Network is strengthening its commitment to delivering high-quality support to survivors across Scotland.”

This change will also mean people will be able to exercise their right to be examined by someone of their chosen sex.

Theatre tackling knife crime returns to Edinburgh schools as Strange Town joins Knife Angel project

“Pupils voluntarily handed weapons in” – Council funds performances for local high schools

Leith-based charity Strange Town is taking its powerful knife-crime play BALISONG back into Edinburgh schools this autumn, as part of the Knife Angel project, with performances planned for pupils across 13 high schools.

The production, written by award-winning Scottish playwright Jennifer Adam and directed by Strange Town Artistic Director Steve Small, explores the consequences of carrying a knife through the story of a 15-year-old boy who brings a butterfly knife home after a school trip.

The tour comes at a time of growing concern about knife crime and youth violence in Edinburgh. Police Scotland figures show that crimes committed in a public place involving a knife rose by 29% between 2022/23 and 2024/25, from 178 offences to 250. 

Strange Town has seen first-hand the impact theatre can have in opening up difficult conversations with young people. When BALISONG previously toured schools, pupils voluntarily handed in weapons after seeing the production.

The play was originally commissioned by No Knives Better Lives and, between 2017 and 2019, toured schools in every local authority in Scotland. It has since been brought back to Edinburgh as part of Strange Town’s wider programme of high-quality theatre for young audiences.

The charity’s Touring Company has now delivered 62 free performances to more than 7,000 pupils across 25 Edinburgh schools, tackling issues including knife crime, consent, online bullying and climate anxiety.

Each performance is followed by teacher-led discussion, giving pupils the opportunity to reflect and talk openly about the issues raised.

Steve Small, Artistic Director and Joint Executive Director of Strange Town, said: “We know BALISONG works because we have seen what happens when young people encounter it. On our previous tour, pupils voluntarily handed in weapons. Teachers told us that the play opened up conversations they simply could not have started in the same way themselves.

“That is why we are so pleased to be taking BALISONG back into Edinburgh schools as part of the Knife Angel project. Theatre doesn’t lecture young people or tell them what to think. It allows them to see themselves, their friends and the consequences of choices in a different way, and then gives them the space to talk.

“We will be working with 13 high schools during this tour. At a time when concerns about knife crime and youth violence are so high, it is vital that we give young people opportunities to have these conversations before a crisis happens.

“We are incredibly grateful to the City of Edinburgh Council for supporting this project and helping us bring this work to young people. We also want people to understand that organisations like Strange Town cannot deliver this work without ongoing support.

“If you believe young people deserve access to ambitious, high-quality theatre that can genuinely make a difference, please come and see BALISONG at the Traverse and consider supporting the future of Strange Town.”

That impact has also been recognised by teachers working directly with pupils. Head of Drama at Drummond Community High School said: “As a drama teacher, I see firsthand the transformative power of live professional theatre in shaping young minds.

“It allows for meaningful discussion and reflection on themes that are current to the society they live in.”

Martin Hutchison – The City of Edinburgh Council said: “Tackling knife crime and youth violence requires a partnership approach, with prevention and early intervention at its heart. We are pleased to support the return of BALISONG to Edinburgh schools as part of the wider Knife Angel project.

“Creative approaches can provide young people with a safe and engaging way to explore difficult issues, challenge perceptions and have conversations that might otherwise be difficult to start.

“Reaching pupils across 13 high schools gives this project an important opportunity to engage young people directly and encourage positive choices.

“We are grateful to Strange Town for the important work they continue to do with young people across Edinburgh and look forward to seeing the impact of this project.”

The Edinburgh tour forms part of the wider Knife Angel project, which aims to bring communities together to raise awareness of the devastating impact of knife crime and encourage prevention and positive action.

Strange Town believes that high-quality theatre has a unique role to play in this work. By putting young people at the centre of a compelling story, BALISONG creates space for empathy, debate and reflection rather than simply presenting statistics or warnings.

The charity is also inviting members of the public to support the project by attending a special performance of BALISONG at the Traverse Theatre at 7pm on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th September.

Tickets for the Traverse performance are available here: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/balisong 

The public can also help Strange Town continue its work with young people by making a donation to support future productions, school tours and accessible creative opportunities.

To support Strange Town: https://strangetown.org.uk 

Strange Town is a Leith-based charity that has spent more than 18 years creating accessible, high-quality theatre and creative opportunities for young people.

Its Touring Company works with professional emerging artists to create original productions specifically for young audiences, bringing theatre directly into schools and creating opportunities for pupils to engage with challenging issues in a safe and accessible environment.

The Balisong Theatre production is funded by the City of Edinburgh Council and  Forth Ports, and is part of a wider programme of events whilst the Knife Angel Sculpture is in Edinburgh –  supported by Places for People Scotland and Police Scotland.

Macmillan Coffee Morning at Saughton Park on Friday

Join our Macmillan at Edinburgh Libraries Team for a Macmillan Coffee Morning (in the afternoon) this coming Friday 💚🍰🍵

Find them in The Rose Garden at Saughton Park from 12 noon till 3pm on Friday 25 September and help raise funds to support people in the UK living with cancer.

Autumn Walks with Pilton Community Health Project

Autumn is the perfect time to start a healthy habit that will carry you through the winter.

Why not make yours #walking?

Join our friendly Walk & Wander group every Wednesday at 11am and enjoy the many benefits of getting outdoors in good company.

As the seasons change, it’s a wonderful opportunity to take in the beauty of the local scenery, spot the colours of autumn emerging, enjoy a chat, and finish with a hot drink together.

Whether you’re looking to get more active, meet new people, or simply enjoy some fresh air, we’d love to welcome you.

📅 Wednesdays

⏰ 11:00am

🚶 Walk & Wander

Come along and experience the magic of autumn with us!

#NorthEdinburghActiveTravel

#R2

#Collaboration

#TakingStepstoBetterHealth

R2

North Edinburgh News

Breaking Multiple Sclerosis trial results: Alpha-lipoic acid shows ‘early promise’ to treat progressive MS at milestone moment

  • First time a multi-arm, multi-stage (MAMS) trial has reported positive results in a neurological condition
  • Diabetes drug metformin removed from trial, but innovative design means more drugs can be added in 2027
  • Researcher warns of significant risk of taking unlicensed drugs outside the safety of a clinical trial
(Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY)

Interim results from a world-first multiple sclerosis (MS) trial have found that an existing medication, alpha-lipoic acid (also known as ALA), is showing early promise as a potential treatment to slow progression in MS. 

Researchers from the Queen Square MS Centre and Innovative Clinical Trials Unit (InCTU) at University College London (UCL) revealed that the drug could have potential to become the first neuroprotective treatment in MS. But stress people should not attempt to acquire alpha-lipoic acid outside a clinical trial, as further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy – and particularly its safety – in MS.   

MS can be debilitating, exhausting, and unpredictable, and symptoms range from chronic fatigue and bladder and bowel problems to mobility difficulties.  While there are over a dozen treatments for those living with relapsing MS, tens of thousands with the progressive form* desperately need treatments to stop their MS getting worse. Those drugs that do exist only work on one aspect of the condition – the immune system. They don’t stop the gradual nerve damage that leads to long-term disability. Finding ways to protect nerves from damage is key.

The innovative progressive MS trial, Octopus, uses a multi-arm multi-stage (MAMS) design, which means it can test potential new treatments up to three times faster than conventional trials.

Supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre: UCLH, Octopus has provided a blueprint for similar trials across neurological conditions, from motor neuron disease and Parkinson’s disease to psychosis. It has been testing two drugs at once – a high dose of alpha-lipoic acid and diabetes drug, metformin – and comparing each one against a placebo.  

Alpha-lipoic acid will now continue to the second stage of the trial. Data from both stages will then be combined to provide a definitive phase 3 result. However, metformin did not demonstrate sufficient promise to be taken forward. This will now be removed from the trial, with all participants from that arm leaving the trial and coming off the drug in the coming weeks.  

More than 850 people have joined the trial at hospitals across the UK, including Scotland, as well as in Australia1. Now the team are seeking hundreds more people living with primary or secondary progressive MS to sign up.

Thanks to this positive result, in the coming years Octopus will become the world’s largest ever trial in progressive MS. The trial design means other drugs could be added as soon as early 2027.  

Margaret Anderson, 57, lives in North Edinburgh and joined the Octopus trial after it launched in the city. She was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS about 20 years ago and now lives with the secondary progressive form of the condition. Her symptoms include fatigue, spasms, sensory pain, and mobility issues, and she uses crutches to help her walk.

After finding out she would be continuing on the trial, Margaret said: “It makes me feel optimistic for the future knowing there’s research like the Octopus trial happening. There must have been some good signs with the drug they’ve carried on so there’s hope there.

“I heard about the trial from my neurologist, and I wanted to take part because us patients have to do our bit as well. It might not benefit me but if it can benefit people with MS in the future then I’ll do anything I can. You don’t know whether you’re on a drug or a placebo but it’s a chance worth taking.”

When asked what she would say to someone living with MS who was considering registering their interest in Octopus or another research trial, Margaret added: “I’m being very, very well looked after and cared for on this trial. I would tell people not to be afraid of signing up.

“The more of us that can take part in research the better, and the more the researchers will learn. And hopefully, as well as finding new treatments, one day there’ll be a cure for MS.”

Dr Peter Foley is Principal Investigator for Octopus at the Edinburgh trial site, based at the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic at the University of Edinburgh. He said: “The team at the Anne Rowling Clinic has been encouraged to hear of the latest developments in the Octopus trial.

“While of course it’s disappointing in some ways that metformin won’t progress to the next stage of the trial, it’s positive that Octopus is already helping to work out what treatments might be helpful.

“Building on these early results, alpha-lipoic acid will continue to be tested as a potential future treatment for progressive MS. We’re happy to be able to support delivering this important trial in Scotland, and are very grateful to all the trial participants who have committed so much time and effort.

“We hope that the success of the innovative Octopus trial design so far is a positive step towards developing effective therapies for people affected by progressive MS.”

Octopus is being led by leading UCL neurologist Professor Jeremy Chataway, whose vision to rethink trials for progressive MS was born over a decade ago. ​​He says: “This is very exciting and proves not only that the Octopus trial design works, but that a new way of protecting nerves could be on the horizon.

“Of course, learning that metformin will be discontinued is disappointing. But finding treatments for progressive MS is extremely difficult, and we’re so pleased to be taking alpha-lipoic acid into the second stage of the trial. 

“We’re now looking forward not only to seeing what the final results are, but also to adding in new ‘arms’ to Octopus next year.

“In the meantime, we do need to remind people with MS to not try to source unproven drugs outside the safety of a clinical trial.”  

Dr Emma Gray, Director of Research at the MS Society, says: “We are so proud to be funding the first ever MAMs trial for people with progressive MS. It’s been a privilege to be part of the team and to have united the MS research community and worked with people living with MS to make this happen. 

“MS can be debilitating, exhausting and unpredictable but today’s results are a huge step forward and show treatments to slow or stop MS progression have never been more within our reach. Octopus was made possible entirely by public donations and our Stop MS Appeal.

“We’re continuing to seek funding from our generous supporters for the future delivery of the trial to build a future where no one needs to worry about MS getting worse.” 

Professor Max Parmar is Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology and Director of the Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology at UCL. His underpinning work was key to the launch of the STAMPEDE trial for prostate cancer in 2005 – the world’s first MAMS Platform trial for any condition and the inspiration behind Octopus.

He says:”The MAMS platform design has transformed how we test new treatments in prostate cancer through the STAMPEDE trial, dramatically accelerating the evaluation of promising therapies and delivering benefits to patients years, and in some cases decades, sooner than would have been possible with conventional approaches.

“It has fundamentally changed the pace at which we can make progress. It is therefore tremendously encouraging to see these interim results from Octopus, demonstrating for the first time that this innovative approach can be successfully applied in multiple sclerosis. The potential to evaluate treatments more efficiently and accelerate progress for people living with MS is incredibly exciting. 

“Reaching this stage is a remarkable achievement and reflects the vision, dedication and collaboration of the entire MS research community, as well as the commitment of the participants who have made the trial possible. I am excited to see how Octopus develops and the impact it could have on the future of MS treatment research.” 

Anyone who has primary or secondary progressive MS and is aged between 25 and 70 in the UK can register their interest via the UK MS Register to take part in stage 2 of the Octopus trial.

Please note there is a waiting list for the trial.

Visit www.ukmsregister.org/octopus. 

More people than ever using Edinburgh’s bike lanes

More bikes than cars at morning rush hour for the first time on Leith Walk

  • More bikes than cars at morning rush hour for the first time on Leith Walk, Edinburgh
  • 67,572 cycle journeys recorded on Leith Walk in the month of May, a 25% increase on May 2025
  • Record share of journeys on York Place being made by bike

New traffic data analysed by Cycling Scotland, Scotland’s national cycling charity, shows the continuing success of high-quality cycle lanes, with record levels of cycling seen on key routes in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Over a 48-hour period in May 2026, traffic surveys recorded 5,653 bike journeys on Edinburgh’s Leith Walk – a record at this location.

Cycle journeys accounted for 11% of all methods of travel on Leith Walk, with more bikes than cars counted during one morning rush hour period (8-9am, Wednesday 13th May) – the first time this has been observed on an on-street cycle route in Edinburgh.

On nearby York Place, where protected cycle lanes now connect the City Centre West East Link route to Leith Walk, 2,018 bikes were recorded over the 48-hour period, amounting to 4.7% of all travel methods recorded, both marking new records for the location.

This cycling modal share is a significant increase on the first survey conducted on York Place in May 2021, when bikes accounted for only 2.1% of journeys – a sign of the growing impact of the new cycling infrastructure.

In addition to results from this 48-hour traffic survey, a permanent cycle counter on Picardy Place at the top of Leith Walk has been recording its highest levels of cycle traffic in 2026. 67,572 cycle journeys were recorded through all of May 2026 compared with 54,193 throughout May 2025 (an increase of 25%).

Great Junction Street in Leith saw a record 2,043 bikes counted over the two days, with a cycling modal share of 4.4%. This follows the recent completion of Leith Connections project, with a new protected cycle lane connecting Leith Walk to Commercial Street.

At all of these locations, strong peaks in cycling were seen at morning and evening rush hours, indicating that more people are travelling by bike for everyday journeys, like commuting to and from work.

Analysis of traffic levels also shows that long-term increases in cycling modal share at these locations are primarily due to more people cycling, rather than any corresponding decrease in vehicle traffic.

Traffic surveys carried out by Cycling Scotland, in partnership with local authorities, involve a temporary camera counting all passing traffic at more than 50 locations across Scotland. The surveys count all travel modes including pedestrians, bikes, cars, buses, vans and larger goods vehicles.

Conducted biannually each May and September, with funding from Transport Scotland, these nationwide traffic surveys help to track changes in modal share, highlighting how new high-quality cycle routes are supporting more people to make sustainable journeys.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: “I am pleased to see Cycling Scotland’s latest figures on cycle lane use in Edinburgh. The record levels of use across the city particularly on Edinburgh’s City Centre West-East Link demonstrates the infrastructure we are providing is helping more people than ever travel by bike for everyday journeys.
 
“Active travel is pivotal in helping people save money, improve their health and reduce transport emissions – walking, wheeling and cycling is transformational for both people and planet.
 
“We are investing £226 million in active and sustainable travel this year, and the evidence shown by these figures highlights how this funding is creating safer and easier routes that will lead to more people choosing to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.”

Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, Edinburgh City Council Transport and Environment Convener, said: “These new figures speak for themselves.

“Over the last year, we’ve seen city cycling records being consistently broken. This is a direct consequence of our commitment to creating and improving cycling infrastructure across Edinburgh, as part of our City Mobility Plan.

“We’ve also seen the overwhelming popularity and success of our cycle hire scheme, delivered by Voi, providing a convenient and economic way for people to get around.

“It’s never been easier to cycle in the Capital, so I’d encourage anyone thinking about it to give it a try.”

Keith Irving, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland, said: “What we see clearly from the data is where Edinburgh invests in protected cycle lanes and improved networks of cycling routes, more people are travelling by bike.

“The high volumes of cycling that we continue to see around morning rush hour tells its own story, with people evidently using these new routes to make everyday journeys by bike, including to work. We’re also seeing signs of a strong network effect, as routes begin to join together and make more journeys possible.

“Altogether, more people cycling is a net benefit for everyone, for our health, for reducing harmful pollution and reducing congestion on our streets. We need more safe cycling routes, to bring these advantages to more people across Edinburgh and Scotland.”

When to call 111

Not sure if you should call 111? 🤔

We can help you get the right care, in the right place.

☎️ Call 111 when:

• You feel unwell and need urgent advice, but it’s NOT life-threatening

• You think you might need A&E, but it isn’t an emergency

• You need help and your GP, pharmacy or dentist is closed

• You’re experiencing mental health distress and need support

When you call, a trained team will assess your symptoms and make sure you get the right help. That could be advice, a call from another clinician, or being directed to a local service.

REMEMBER:

🚨 Always call 999 or go to A&E for life-threatening emergencies.

for more info: https://www.nhs24.scot/111/

ELREC: Women’s cycle on Tuesday

We’re supporting women into cycling in North Edinburgh with Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre as part of our involvement with #northedinburghactivetravel

Come along to our next ride on Tuesday 22nd September at 10am and join this welcoming, supportive group!

🚴‍♀️

There’s lots of active travel support in the area too – just check out the NEAT leaflet for more info:

R2#collaboration

New funding round opens for Edinburgh community mental health and wellbeing projects

Charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to strengthen mental health and wellbeing across Edinburgh

A new round of the Edinburgh Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund opens on Friday 18 September 2026, offering grants of up to £5,000 for community-led projects supporting adults’ mental health and wellbeing across the city.

The Fund is distributed by Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council (EVOC) on behalf of the Scottish Government. Applications will remain open until Wednesday 18 November 2026. After an assessment process, successful organisations will have one year in which to spend their award after payment in March 2027.

The Fund is designed to tackle mental health inequalities, reduce social isolation and loneliness, support suicide prevention, and respond to poverty and inequality. It has a strong focus on prevention, early intervention and community connection, particularly for people who face socio-economic disadvantage or are at greater risk of poor mental health.

The round is open to charitable and not-for-profit organisations, constituted and unconstituted community groups, and other eligible organisations providing services in Edinburgh with an annual turnover of £2 million or less.

Funding can support practical costs including equipment and materials, one-off events, hall and room hire, participation costs, staffing, training, transport, utilities, volunteer expenses and safety equipment. Capital costs of up to £5,000 may also be considered.

Previous grant holders have shown how small, locally rooted projects can create meaningful change. Across Edinburgh, funded activity has helped people move from isolation into friendship and community participation, supported parents and carers to recognise that their own mental health matters, and created accessible opportunities through art, physical activity, peer support and volunteering.

Bruce Crawford, EVOC’s CEO said: “Community organisations understand their neighbourhoods and the people they support. This Fund helps turn that knowledge into practical activity that can reduce isolation, build confidence and create stronger connections. Previous grant holders have shown that even a relatively small award can unlock lasting change.

“We want to hear from grassroots groups with a clear idea, strong local relationships and an understanding of how their work will contribute to the Fund’s aims. We particularly welcome applications that clearly describe the difference the project will make and how local people have helped shape it.”

EVOC will host an online information and question-and-answer webinar for prospective applicants. The session will explain the Fund, eligibility, priorities, and application process, with time for questions.

Organisations considering an application can book the webinar through Eventbrite.

Full guidance and the application form are available here. Applications open on Friday 18 September 2026 and close on Wednesday 18 November 2026.

Edinburgh Leisure achieves Gold BOG STANDARD accreditation to support men living with incontinence

  • A third of men quit the gym after prostate cancer treatment – the initiative will support them back into good physical and mental health
  • Leisure Trust becomes first group to roll out bins across every site

Edinburgh Leisure has achieved the Gold BOG STANDARD accreditation by introducing dedicated male incontinence bins and product dispensers across its venues.

It is the first leisure trust in Scotland to roll out male sanitary bins and products across all its sites. Its commitment also means it provides more sanitary bins than any other organisation in the area, helping men affected by prostate cancer treatment and urinary incontinence.

Developed by phs and Prostate Cancer UK through the Dispose with Dignity initiative, the BOG STANDARD encourages organisations to provide appropriate facilities for men living with urinary incontinence.

One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and your risk doubles to one in four if you’re Black, but it can be curable if found early. As many as 60% of men who have a radical prostatectomy [surgical removal of the whole prostate and the prostate cancer cells inside it] may experience urinary incontinence1. But suitable disposal facilities in public male toilets remain limited.

Almost a third of men (29%) said they stopped going to the gym because of their incontinence and lack of sanitary bins. Almost two thirds of men (59%) have said missing out on everyday moments like this has negatively affected their mental health.2

Edinburgh Leisure welcomes more than 6 million customer visits each year across venues throughout the city. The new facilities will help ensure that men living with incontinence can use Edinburgh Leisure venues with greater confidence.

Edinburgh Leisure has installed 292 dedicated incontinence bins and 292 product dispensers across 26 venues, helping men dispose of incontinence products discreetly and hygienically. This means Edinburgh Leisure is providing more bins for its customers than any other organisation in the area.

By supporting men and implementing these measures, Edinburgh Leisure has signed up to The BOG STANDARD- the minimum standards Prostate Cancer UK and hygiene services provider phs Group is asking organisations to implement to cater for men with incontinence.

Gold BOG STANDARD accreditation recognises organisations that provide dedicated disposal bins and incontinence disposal bags and commit to raising awareness of prostate cancer and urinary incontinence.

Perrotine Orr, director of operations at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Everyone should feel confident and welcome when using our venues. For men living with incontinence, access to the right facilities can make an important difference to whether they feel able to take part in everyday activities.

“By introducing dedicated disposal bags and bins, we hope more men will feel comfortable getting active or continuing to be active. We are proud to achieve Gold BOG STANDARD accreditation and to support greater awareness of prostate cancer and urinary incontinence.”

The BOG STANDARD Charter was developed by the Dispose with Dignity initiative, which aims to give men the confidence to go about their daily lives, free from the anxiety of having nowhere to change and dispose of their incontinence pads in public toilets. phs is the only hygiene provider that offers bins designed specifically for male incontinence products, which have been developed with Prostate Cancer UK supporters.

Matthew Brabin, CEO of phs said: “At a time when men need to be supported by businesses and workplaces, perhaps after receiving prostate cancer treatment, too many men are too anxious to leave the house, because the right facilities aren’t there for them.

“Whether it’s going to work, a conference, to their local sports club or even to the local for a pint, when there are no sanitary bins, men with incontinence are staying at home, when they should be with us. This is what our Dispose with Dignity initiative is trying to change, and we’re so pleased to see Edinburgh Leisure join the fight by signing up to The BOG STANDARD Charter.”

phs is the UK, Ireland and Spain’s leading hygiene services provider, and has been working with Prostate Cancer UK, the leading men’s health charity since 2023, to campaign for better facilities for men with incontinence as a part of their Dispose with Dignity initiative.

Prostate Cancer UK is the largest public funder of prostate cancer research in the UK, and has invested over £130 million into research that has made diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer safer and more accurate than ever before.

The charity has also helped tens of thousands of men campaign for change, sharing their stories to influence policymakers, and advocating to fight health inequalities, raise lifesaving awareness, and improve access to treatments and support that improve men’s lives and create a brighter future for men living with and after the most common cancer in the UK; prostate cancer.

Nick Ridgman, head of support services at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Many men need sanitary bins so they can dispose of their used pads discreetly and hygienically – but often these bins are nowhere to be found in men’s loos. It’s causing men stress and shame and keeping them from going to work and doing the things they love. 

“Edinburgh Leisure is now more welcoming and accessible for every customer and we hope other organisations will follow. We wholeheartedly support the Dispose with Dignity initiative and hope to see the UK Government supporting our call to change HSE guidance. This is the only way we can ensure men will have access to a male sanitary bin if they’re using toilets in public spaces. 

“Prostate Cancer UK is here for every man who’s navigating prostate cancer. If you need any support or information, you can talk to our Specialist Nurses on 0800 074 8383 or via our website.”

For more information about The BOG STANDARD please visit:

phs.co.uk/maleincontinence