Find NHS Continence Services and Charity Services Near You
If you or someone you care for is experiencing bladder or bowel leaks for the first time, you don’t have to manage it alone.
Thanks to local continence services, physiotherapists and NHS continence specialists, help is available across the UK. These specialist teams work with people every day to help people navigate incontinence, providing expert guidance, medical advice and product referrals.
We’ve built this page to bring together trusted routes to support, from national helplines to local NHS continence services.
Think of it as your Yellow Pages for continence care.
Each link takes you directly to the services’ official website so you can find up-to-date details, referral forms, and opening times in your area.
Using this continence services directory, you will find:
Advice on how to access specialist GP or continence nurse support
NHS bladder and bowel services in your region
National helplines and trusted charities
Pelvic health physiotherapy directories
We’ve tried our best to ensure every link listed here links directly to trusted NHS, partner or charity websites, so you’ll always reach the right place for help.
How to Use This Directory
The below continence services are grouped by region.
First, find the region that applies to you, then choose the service that best matches your needs. Where possible, we have also listed which services cater to adult and/or children’s care.
Despite our best efforts, this isn’t a complete list, so if your area isn’t specifically listed, your GP practice or local NHS board will be able to tell you which continence service covers your postcode.
About This Information
All listings were reviewed and updated in November 2025.
We have avoided including phone numbers and email addresses so that the information stays current. However, each link takes you to the official page where you can find the latest contact details and referral guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a continence or bladder and bowel service?
Not always. In many areas, you’ll need your GP or another healthcare professional to refer you to a local NHS continence service.
Some regions do accept self-referrals. If you’re not sure, check your local NHS website or call your GP practice for advice.
Can I self-refer to bladder and bowel services?
It depends on your local NHS trust. Some continence teams allow self-referral using an online form or phone number, while others require a GP referral first. You can usually find this information on your area’s NHS page.
What happens during a continence assessment?
A specialist nurse or physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and daily routine. You might be asked to keep a bladder or bowel diary for a few days and, in some cases, have a brief physical examination or bladder scan.
The goal is to understand what’s causing the leaks and find the best way to manage them.
What treatments or support are available?
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, but most people start with non-surgical options such as:
Pelvic floor muscle training
Bladder training
Lifestyle changes (for example, reducing caffeine or adjusting fluid intake)
Continence products while you work on long-term improvement
If these don’t help, you may be referred to a specialist for further options like medication, devices, or surgery.
Can I get continence pads or pants on prescription?
Some areas still offer pads through the NHS after a continence assessment, but it’s becoming less common. Most local services now focus on helping people manage symptoms rather than supplying products long-term.
If you’re not eligible for NHS provision, you can still buy high-quality, discreet pads and pants online. These often provide more choice and a better fit than standard NHS options.
What is a GPwER (GP with Extended Role)?
A GPwER is a GP who has extra training in a specific area, for example, bladder and bowel health. There isn’t a public directory of GPwERs, so if you think you might benefit from seeing one, ask your GP practice if they have someone with that role or if they can refer you to one locally.
What if I feel embarrassed about speaking to my GP?
You’re not alone; a lot of people feel that way. Remember, bladder and bowel issues are very common and GPs deal with them all the time. It can help to write down your symptoms beforehand or bring someone with you. The more detail you share, the easier it is for them to get you the right help.
How do I know the information on this page is up to date?
We regularly review and update the links to ensure accuracy. If you spot an outdated link, you can contact our customer care team to let us know.
Date page last updated: November 2025
National List Of Incontinence Charities
Bladder & Bowel UK: Offers confidential helpline, advice and product-information for adults, children and young people with bladder and/or bowel issues.
Bladder Health UK: National charity supporting people with bladder conditions including overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, cystitis; also covers some bowel-related issues.
Bowel Research UK: A UK charity focused on funding research for bowel diseases; while more research-oriented, also relevant for bowel health and support.
National List Of NHS Continence Services
How to use: Find and click the appropriate region below to access your local list of continence services.
North East & Yorkshire
Service name
Postcode
Website
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (Adults and Children)