“Incontinence poverty” campaign distributes essential products for free to people in need

An outsourced assistive technology provider and a UK charity are teaming up to provide essential incontinence products for free to people who cannot afford to buy the products they need.

As the cost-of-living crisis worsens, Bladder and Bowel UK says it hears that people are increasingly unable to afford products to manage incontinence, also known as “incontinence poverty”. This can lead to significantly lower quality of life for individuals and their families, as well as other physical and mental health problems.

“It is all-too-common that people don’t have the products they need to stay hygienic and comfortable, and the rising living costs we have seen will only make this true for more people,” said Karen Irwin, Bladder & Bowel UK Service Manager and Specialist Nurse. “We know that not having the right products can stop people leaving the house, seriously affect mental health, and also cause a massive strain on relationships.

“Having access to the correct products is essential to manage incontinence, an issue which affects so many people across the UK.”

Now, Bladder and Bowel UK and NRS Healthcare are teaming up to deliver a new incontinence care initiative.

The initiative uses a networks of community pantries, ‘warm banks’, luncheon clubs, and community centres to share information about the provision of free essential products. Packs of incontinence products can also be requested over the phone. The items will then be posted free of charge to the individual’s home.

Matthew Stead, Managing Director at NRS Healthcare, commented: “As the UK’s leading online living aids retailer we are delighted to partner with Bladder and Bowel UK to raise the issue of incontinence poverty in the UK.

“As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, some of the most vulnerable in society are hit the hardest. That’s why we and our suppliers have donated over £150,000 worth of products to this extremely important cause. We encourage anybody affected with incontinence who is unable to afford suitable products to get in touch with us.”

Requests for products can be made by phoning NRS Complete Care Shop on 01772 675 048, while stocks last. For guidance on managing bladder and bowel conditions, visit www.bbuk.org.uk.

NRS Healthcare recently hosted a prescriber open day in West Sussex, so that prescribers could see first-hand the different departments that come together as a team to deliver the community equipment service, take a tour around the depot and warehouses, and ask questions.