Loo of the Year Awards Highlights the Importance of Washrooms at the Care Show in Swindon

Good washroom facilities are an essential part of dignity, independence and quality care. This was the message shared by Becky Wall BEM, Managing Director of Loo of the Year Awards, when she took to the stage as keynote speaker at the Care Show in Swindon last Saturday.

Attending alongside her husband and business partner, Charles Wall, Becky was delighted to speak to an audience with a shared interest in improving care and the everyday experiences of the people who rely on it.

Why washrooms matter in the care sector

Away-from-home washrooms play a vital role in supporting older people, disabled people and those living with long-term health conditions. Yet their importance can sometimes be overlooked when considering the wider care environment.

A clean, well-maintained and accessible washroom can make the difference between someone feeling confident enough to go out and participate in everyday activities, or choosing to stay at home because they are worried about finding suitable facilities.

For people living with conditions that affect mobility, continence or access to toilet facilities, having the right facilities available can help protect their dignity, independence and quality of life.

Through her keynote presentation, Becky highlighted the importance of recognising washrooms as an integral part of the care experience, rather than simply a practical necessity.

At Loo of the Year Awards, the focus is on encouraging higher standards through independent inspections, education and recognition. The aim is to help organisations understand where they are doing well and where improvements can make a meaningful difference to the people using their facilities.

Meeting people who share a passion for inclusion

Alongside the keynote presentation, Becky and Charles had a stand representing Loo of the Year Awards, providing an opportunity to meet people from across the care sector, exchange ideas and discuss the importance of accessible, inclusive washrooms.

One of the highlights of the day was meeting Victoria Jenkins, adaptive fashion expert, whose work focuses on making clothing more accessible and inclusive.

The meeting provided an opportunity to connect with someone working towards a similar goal: understanding people's individual needs and helping remove the barriers that can affect their everyday lives.

Whether through adaptive clothing or accessible washroom facilities, thoughtful design and a better understanding of people's needs can make a real difference to confidence, independence and inclusion.

Thank you to the Care Show team

Becky and Charles would like to extend their thanks to Hannah and Kevin, the event organisers, for inviting them to be part of the Care Show in Swindon and for making them so welcome.

They would also like to thank everyone who attended the keynote presentation, visited the Loo of the Year Awards stand and took the time to discuss how washroom standards can be improved across the care sector.

Making dignity and independence a priority

The Care Show provided a valuable opportunity to highlight an issue that deserves greater recognition across health and social care.

Washrooms are a fundamental part of people's daily lives. When facilities are accessible, clean, safe and well maintained, they can help people retain their independence and participate more confidently in their communities.

At Loo of the Year Awards, we believe that you cannot manage what you do not measure. By assessing facilities against clear standards, recognising good practice and identifying opportunities for improvement, we can help organisations make informed decisions about their washrooms.

Because providing good care means considering every aspect of a person's experience, including something as essential as being able to use a toilet with dignity.

About Loo of the Year Awards

Established in 1987, Loo of the Year Awards is the UK's leading independent washroom standards scheme. Through independent inspections, grading, education and recognition, the scheme encourages organisations to improve the standards of away-from-home washrooms for the benefit of everyone who uses them.