Project info

Project Details :

The Urology Awareness Project was funded and designed to raise awareness, provide education, and promote early detection of urological health issues that significantly affect both men and women, with a focus on prostate cancer, urinary incontinence, and bladder cancer. These conditions are often under-discussed due to stigma or embarrassment, leading to delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes.

01

Early Detection & Prevention

Raising awareness of prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and urinary incontinence to encourage open conversations to reduce stigma.
02

Education & Empowerment

Equip people with the knowledge to recognise symptoms, seek timely support, and understand treatment options.
03

Support & Inclusion

Create safe spaces for discussion to break taboos around urological health and signposting to healthcare services, and reducing isolation.

What We Did :

Urology Awareness Everyone Matters

Raising awareness, reducing stigma, and empowering communities to take control of their urological health. Delivered in community settings, covering risk factors, symptoms, lifestyle links, screening, and helpful tips.

  • Awareness Workshop & Information Sessions
  • Gender Specific Education
  • Support and Signposting
  • Bladder Health & Incontinence Management Tips

Final Results :

Urology Health Programme Report

QALYCOM Health CIC – Pilot Program Report

Programme Name: Urology Health, Hydration & Bladder Wellbeing Workshops
Date / Duration: 2024/2025
Location: Rochdale Borough (Central)

Programme Overview

Objective:

To improve awareness of bladder and kidney health, promote healthy hydration, reduce urinary symptoms, and empower adults to understand urology-related conditions and when to seek medical help.

Target Population:

Adults from African, Caribbean, South Asian, and wider BAME communities aged 18–75, particularly those experiencing low hydration, urinary symptoms, or poor bladder health.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Increased knowledge of bladder and kidney health
    • Better hydration habits
    • Reduced urinary discomfort
    • Greater awareness of red-flag symptoms
    • Increased confidence engaging with primary care
    • Improved wellbeing and QALY gains

Baseline Data

Metric

Baseline (Avg)

Participants

Notes

Hydration Level

Moderate–low

102

Low daily water intake reported

Knowledge of Urology Health

Low

102

Limited awareness of kidney/bladder care

Symptoms

Mild–moderate

102

Frequency, urgency, discomfort

Confidence in Help-Seeking

Low

102

Stigma, embarrassment

Diet Quality

Mixed

102

High caffeine, low water intake

Programme Activities

  • Interactive workshops on bladder/kidney anatomy and common conditions
    • Hydration education using culturally relevant examples
    • Guidance on fluid intake, caffeine reduction, and bladder-friendly diets
    • Symptom recognition and help-seeking support
    • Awareness of urinary tract infection (UTI) prevention
    • Referral information for GP, nurse practitioner, and urology departments
    • Peer-led group discussions to reduce stigma

Attendance: 80% attended at least two sessions

Outcomes & Impact

Quantitative Results

Metric

Follow-up

Change

Hydration Level

High

↑50%

Knowledge

High

↑40%

Symptoms

Reduced

↓35%

Caffeine Consumption

Reduced

↓30%

Help-Seeking Confidence

High

↑45%

QALYs Gained: 2.2

These improvements reflect enhanced wellbeing, reduced discomfort, and improved kidney/bladder health behaviours.

Qualitative Feedback

  • “I didn’t realise how much difference proper hydration makes.”
    • “I feel more comfortable talking to my GP now.”
    • “My symptoms have reduced since cutting down fizzy drinks and increasing water.”

Case Study — “Sarah” (Urology Health Programme)

“I used to feel embarrassed about my urinary problems. After the workshops, I finally understood what was happening and learned simple changes that really helped. I drink more water, and my symptoms are much better.”

Lessons Learned

Successes:

  • Hydration education delivered immediate, noticeable improvements
    • Participants appreciated the culturally sensitive approach
    • Stigma around urinary symptoms significantly reduced

Challenges:

  • Some participants struggled to maintain hydration habits long-term
    • Misconceptions about caffeine and bladder irritation required extra explanation

Recommendations:

  • Offer reusable water bottles to support hydration
    • Provide follow-up symptom tracking sheets
    • Develop translated hydration guides
    • Work with GP practices to promote early referral for urinary symptoms

Alignment With Council Goals

  • Tackles health inequalities in bladder/kidney health knowledge
    • Supports prevention of UTIs and other urinary conditions
    • Strengthens health literacy among underserved communities
    • Promotes self-management and early intervention
    • Reduces avoidable primary care consultations

Sign-Off

Prepared by: QALYCOM HEALTH CIC
Date: November 2025

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