Project info

Project Details :

The Urology Incontinence Project was funded and designed to raise awareness to reduce the stigma surrounding urinary incontinence, improve understanding of causes and symptoms, promote bladder-strengthening behaviours, and support adults particularly women from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities to manage symptoms confidently. These conditions are often under-discussed due to stigma or embarrassment, leading to delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes. 

01

Understanding What’s Happening

Simple, clear explanations of why leakage occurs and reassurance that it’s common and manageable.
02

Practical Tools to Reduce Symptoms

Pelvic floor exercises, hydration guidance, lifestyle tips, and techniques that make daily life easier.
03

Support Without Embarrassment

Safe, friendly spaces to talk openly, get encouragement, and be signposted to GP or continence physiotherapy.

What We Did :

img-01

Awaiting Update

Tackling inequalities in women’s  bladder health by encouraging help-seeking behaviour for stigmatised conditions. Improves confidence, mobility, social participation and supports long-term preventative health and wellbeing.

  • Educational workshops explaining bladder function and types of incontinence
  • Stigma-reduction discussions in safe, supportive groups
  • Pelvic floor training (Kegel exercises) with guided practice
  • Guidance on referral pathways (GP, continence services, physiotherapy)

Final Results :

Urinary Incontinence Programme Report

QALYCOM Health CIC – Pilot Program Report

Programme Name: Urinary Incontinence Awareness & Symptom Management Workshops
Date / Duration:  2024/2025
Location: Rochdale Borough (Central and Heywood)

Programme Overview

Objective:

To reduce the stigma surrounding urinary incontinence, improve understanding of causes and symptoms, promote bladder-strengthening behaviours, and support adults particularly women from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities to manage symptoms confidently.

Target Population:

Adults aged 30–75 from African, Caribbean, South Asian and BAME communities who experience urinary leakage, urgency, frequency, or pelvic floor concerns.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Improved knowledge of urinary incontinence
    • Increased pelvic floor strength and symptom reduction
    • Greater emotional confidence and reduced stigma
    • Increased help-seeking behaviour
    • Improved quality of life
    • QALY gains

Baseline Data

Metric

Baseline (Avg)

Participants

Notes

Symptom Severity

6.2 / 10

74

Leakage, urgency, frequency

Knowledge of Incontinence

Low

74

Causes & treatment poorly understood

Pelvic Floor Strength

Low

74

Self-reported difficulty

Confidence in Help-Seeking

Low

74

Stigma & embarrassment

Hydration Habits

Poor

74

Low water intake, high caffeine

Programme Activities

  • Educational workshops explaining bladder function and types of incontinence
    • Pelvic floor training (Kegel exercises) with guided practice
    • Hydration and bladder-friendly diet sessions
    • Stigma-reduction discussions in safe, supportive groups
    • Guidance on referral pathways (GP, continence services, physiotherapy)
    • Culturally sensitive materials and peer support groups

Attendance: 83% attended at least two sessions

Outcomes & Impact

Quantitative Results

Metric

Follow-up

Change

Symptom Severity

3.8 / 10

↓2.4

Knowledge

High

↑45%

Pelvic Floor Strength

Improved

↑40%

Help-Seeking Confidence

Improved

↑38%

Hydration Habits

Improved

↑50%

QALYs Gained: 2.1

This reflects meaningful improvements in daily functioning, dignity, and quality of life.

Qualitative Feedback

  • “I thought leaking was normal after childbirth, now I know how to manage it.”
    • “The exercises really helped and I feel less embarrassed.”
    • “Knowing when to ask for help gave me confidence.”

Case Study — “Amina” (Urinary Incontinence Programme)

“I used to avoid going out because of leakage. After learning the exercises and getting support from the group, my symptoms reduced and I feel more confident. It changed my daily life.”

Lessons Learned

Successes:

  • Pelvic floor training produced fast, noticeable improvements
    • Safe spaces made talking about a stigmatised topic possible
    • Many participants went on to seek GP or started engaging in Kegel exercise

Challenges:

  • High stigma meant some participants joined only after 1-to-1 reassurance
    • Some found the exercises difficult at first and needed repeated guidance

Recommendations:

  • Provide ongoing monthly pelvic floor refresher sessions
    • Develop video demonstrations for home practice
    • Strengthen referral links with continence physiotherapy teams
    • Offer more one-to-one initial consultations

Alignment With Council Goals

  • Tackles inequalities in women’s and bladder health
    • Encourages help-seeking for stigmatised conditions
    • Improves confidence, mobility, and social participation
    • Supports long-term preventative health and wellbeing

Sign-Off

Prepared by: QALYCOM HEALTH CIC
Date: November 2025

Related Portfolio