A patient group in Gwent, Wales, is working hard to raise awareness of adult incontinence and tackle the stigma associated with the condition.

Nina Weaver, chairman of the Aneurin Bevan Health Board patients' panel, told the South Wales Argus that the group hopes to raise awareness of the issues affecting those who rely on incontinence pads or pants, such as the closure of public toilets.

She revealed: "Many people who suffer in silence from incontinence are too embarrassed to seek help and we want to encourage a dialogue about this distressing condition.

"Sufferers can be either sex or any age and there are treatments which can prevent or reduce the severity of incontinence, particularly if help is sought early."

As part of its efforts to raise awareness of male and female incontinence, the panel will link up with the Gwent continence service.

Karen Logan, head of the service, told the Argus that much can be done to help people with urinary incontinence.

She added: "My biggest frustration is that people don't access services to get the help available."

Figures suggest that 13 per cent of women and five per cent of men experience urinary incontinence at some point during their lives.