A North-east business is declaring ‘Wee Can’ help save lives through a crucial charity campaign.
PerfectHygiene has linked up with Aberdeen charity UCAN, which is dedicated to raising awareness of urological cancers.
The ‘Wee Can’ campaign includes the provision of bins that allows for the discreet disposal of male incontinence products. These products can be used for those living with urological conditions, helping to reduce the stigma around these.
The first to get on board with the campaign is Aberdeen Football Club, which is adding the bins to its Pittodrie facilities.
The campaign is also endorsed by Jim Leighton, legendary former Aberdeen FC and Scotland goalkeeper, who has first-hand experience of a prostate cancer diagnosis.
He said: “Wee Can is a brilliant initiative that will make a big difference to men.
“I want to do all I can to help other men in this situation and supporting the Wee Can campaign is a great way of doing that.
“Addressing the stigma is hugely important, especially for men who tend not to speak about these things.
“I have come through this; I am not speaking anyone else’s words; these are my own words, and this is my own experience.”
UCAN aims to improve support and quality of life for people and families who are affected. Its vision is to create a groundbreaking Rapid Diagnostic Centre (RDC) serving the north-east of Scotland – an international standard one-stop urological cancer centre located within the acute urology services at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
PerfectHygiene, based at Blackburn, near Aberdeen, provides washroom services and hygiene material provisions such as dispensers, hand sanitisers, air fresheners, hygiene bins and waste management services to a variety of clients across multiple sectors.
Customers will be able to order the supply and servicing of Wee Can bins for cubicles in male toilets. This will help to raise awareness of the conditions affecting male incontinence, including prostate cancer, urinary tract infections, prostate surgery, as well as diabetes, stroke and nerve damage.
Specialist staff from UCAN are working with PerfectHygiene to speak to interested businesses and premises about the importance of providing the facility for men – be it staff, customers or visitors.
For every contract agreed, PerfectHygiene will make a donation to the charity.
Steve Kennedy, Managing Director at PerfectHygiene, said: “We want to help break down barriers. As it stands, affected men may not have facilities to use and may be impacted by the stigma of anyone knowing they have an issue.
“Or they might just feel uncomfortable in public settings and make the decision to go home instead. These bins offer practical solutions and complete discretion.
“Working with UCAN felt like a natural partnership, and we’re delighted to support their mission in the north of Scotland.”
UCAN’s RDC aims to significantly reduce the time to diagnosis, which will improve cancer treatment outcomes and reduce anxiety for patients and their families.
- 1 in 5 men in the north of Scotland will be diagnosed with a urological cancer
- 1 in 3 men with prostate cancers in Scotland are diagnosed too late with advanced cancer that can no longer be cured
- 1500 men and women in the north of Scotland are diagnosed with a urological cancer every year, with 500 dying each year
- They are 3 times more likely to be cured if cancer is diagnosed early
The charity is thrilled to have the support of PerfectHygiene. Justine Royle, UCAN Chair and Consultant Urological Surgeon, said: “Partnering with Perfect Hygiene with the placement of male sanitary product bins in toilets really will focus the minds of a lot of men who would not otherwise consider getting themselves tested for urological cancer and provide such a brilliant service to those who are currently undergoing treatment.
“This is a great partnership for UCAN as it allows us the extra awareness to target this audience.”
Paul Hendry, Head of Operations, Aberdeen Football Club, said: “The Wee Can campaign is one we are delighted to get behind. It’s a hugely important issue and we’re proud to be able to help by providing the facilities needed.”
To find out how you can help raise awareness or vital funds, go to: https://www.ucanaberdeen.com
