When I explained that the bins weren't designed for men who have periods, but for the 1-in-3 aged over 65 who suffer from incontinence, they all softened. The majority were shocked to learn the extent of incontinence issues while some asked why bins aren't mandatory for all men's cubicles everywhere. I had a chat with John Austen about it, venturing that it would have been less costly and perhaps more acceptable to the uninitiated to just place bins in the disabled facilities, but he pointed out that there's enough stigma - especially for men, about incontinence, without adding 'disabled' to the mix. He's right of course. 

  

So congratulations to Govia Thameslink Railway - the UK's largest rail franchise, for supporting the campaign by Prostate Cancer UK by placing bins in all men's staff and customer toilets across its 11 county network! Bins can now be found in 495 men's toilet cubicles at 228 stations, offices and depots across the network, which operates Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink services. "We're keen to reduce the anxiety experienced by male colleagues and customers with urinary incontinence, and this small but significant step aims to enhance the comfort and dignity of those who may need these facilities," explains GTR. "What might be deemed as a minor improvement will make a real difference to many male customers and remove a significant barrier to travel." Quite right too! Prostate Cancer UK is calling for the installation of incontinence bins in every public toilet and business across the country, saying: "A man living with incontinence should be able to travel away from home without having to worry about whether he'll be able to get rid of his used pads." A campaign well worth supporting, in my view.