The Power of a Good Toilet!
It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about stress… but maybe it should be.
Because that moment of panic—
“Where’s the nearest toilet?”
“Will it be clean?”
“Is it even open?”
That is stress. And it is completely avoidable.
Whether in the workplace or out and about, poor washroom facilities add unnecessary pressure to our day, impacting comfort, confidence, and wellbeing.
Now imagine the alternative…
Clean, well-maintained facilities
Spaces that feel safe, private, and accessible
Toilets you can rely on, wherever you are
Suddenly, one less thing to worry about.
Better toilet standards do not just improve hygiene, they reduce stress.
✔️ In the workplace, they help employees feel valued, supported, and comfortable taking the breaks they need
✔️ In public spaces, they give people the confidence to travel, shop, and socialise without anxiety
✔️ For many, they are the difference between going out… or staying home
So, how can this be improved?
Regular, visible cleaning
Good lighting and clear signage
Well-stocked essentials
Privacy and accessibility by design
Listening and responding to user feedback.

This is exactly where the Loo of the Year Awards come in.
For over 30 years, we have been raising standards, recognising excellence, and helping organisations understand what great looks like.
Because when you improve washrooms, you improve experiences.
And when you improve experiences, you reduce stress.

This Stress Awareness Month, let us change the conversation…
A great toilet is not a luxury, it is essential. And it plays a bigger role in our wellbeing than we often realise.

Supporting People Living With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week, held annually from 1 to 7 December, is an important opportunity to shine a light on the realities of living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis — two long-term inflammatory conditions of the digestive system that together affect over half a million people across the UK.

These illnesses can be unpredictable, fluctuating, and often invisible. Many individuals experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, and unintentional weight changes. But beyond the physical challenges, Crohn’s and Colitis can have a major impact on education, employment, relationships, mental health, and a person’s ability to confidently leave their home.

This year’s theme, “How It Feels,” focuses on the emotional and social impact of living with such an unpredictable condition. It is a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person navigating daily uncertainty and that greater understanding, awareness, and support can make an enormous difference.

Our Ongoing Support for Crohn’s & Colitis UK

At the Loo of the Year Awards, we are proud to support Crohn’s & Colitis UK as our chosen charity for the second year running. Their work providing guidance, community support, research funding, and advocacy is invaluable to people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and their families.

By aligning our platform with their mission, we aim to help raise awareness of the challenges faced by those with Crohn’s and Colitis, particularly when it comes to accessing safe, clean and appropriate washroom facilities away from home.

Why High-Quality Away-From-Home Washrooms Matter

For someone living with IBD, access to a toilet isn’t a convenience, it is a necessity. The fear of not being able to find a clean, usable toilet in time can prevent individuals from working, socialising, attending events, or even leaving the house.

That is why accessible, well-maintained, and reliably open public washrooms are absolutely essential.

Through our nationwide inspection programme, the Loo of the Year Awards:

• highlight organisations that provide high-standard, inclusive facilities
• encourage better design and greater investment in away-from-home washrooms
• raise awareness of the needs of people with long-term health conditions
• help ensure that toilets are not just functional, but genuinely supportive of users’ dignity and wellbeing

By promoting excellence in washroom provision, we help create environments where people with Crohn’s, Colitis, and other hidden conditions feel more confident and able to participate fully in daily life.

Standing Together for Better Awareness and Better Provision

Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week is a chance to build understanding, challenge stigma, and highlight the importance of accessible facilities for those living with IBD.

We are proud to continue supporting Crohn’s & Colitis UK and to use the Loo of the Year Awards platform to push for better washrooms; because everyone deserves access to safe, clean facilities wherever they go.

A high-quality toilet can make the difference between staying home or stepping out into the world. And for those living with Crohn’s and Colitis, that difference is life-changing.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), held annually on 3 December, is a significant moment in the global calendar. Established by the United Nations in 1992, the day was created to promote understanding of disability issues, support the rights and wellbeing of disabled people, and highlight the importance of inclusive, accessible environments across all areas of life.

More than thirty years on, IDPWD continues to shine a spotlight on the barriers that still exist for many people — and the opportunities we all have to create meaningful change.

Why Accessible Washrooms Matter

Accessibility extends far beyond building ramps and automatic doors. It includes the essential facilities people rely on every day, especially when they are away from home. Public and workplace washrooms are vital services, and their quality can significantly influence a person’s confidence, independence, and ability to participate fully in work, travel, and community life.

For disabled people, poorly designed or inaccessible washrooms can be a major obstacle. For some, it means limiting their time out of the house. For others, it may prevent them from going out at all.

How the Loo of the Year Awards Supports Accessibility

At the Loo of the Year Awards, accessibility is woven into everything we do. Our national inspection programme evaluates thousands of away-from-home washrooms each year, highlighting facilities that cater for all users — including disabled people, carers, and individuals who require additional space, equipment, or support.

Through our work, we aim to:

• Promote best practice across all sectors

• Encourage organisations to invest in accessible and inclusive washroom provision

• Support awareness of the need for Changing Places toilet facilities

• Celebrate those who prioritise dignity, independence, and inclusion

By recognising and rewarding excellence, we help drive positive change and raise the standard of washrooms for everyone.

A Shared Commitment to Inclusion

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that accessibility is not optional, it is a fundamental part of an equitable society. Everyone deserves access to safe, clean, and inclusive toilet facilities, wherever they go. For many disabled people and carers, this access determines whether they can participate fully in everyday life.

As we mark IDPWD, the Loo of the Year Awards remains committed to championing higher standards, encouraging innovation, and supporting organisations that are working to remove barriers.

Find Out More

If you would like to explore the wider work taking place to support disabled people and improve accessibility, here are some useful links:

• United Nations – International Day of Persons with Disabilities: background and global resources
  https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-of-persons-with-disabilities

• Changing Places Toilet Consortium: information on the need for Changing Places facilities and UK locations
  https://www.changing-places.org

• Disability Rights UK: information about accessible toilets and the RADAR National Key Scheme
  https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org

• AccessAble: detailed accessibility guides for venues across the UK
  https://www.accessable.co.uk

• Carers Trust: resources for carers, including information on accessible facilities
  https://carers.org

Every year on 19 November, World Toilet Day invites us to pause and reflect on something so ordinary, yet so essential, that we barely think about it until it is not there: the toilet.

This year’s theme, “We will always need a toilet,” is simple but profoundly important. It reminds us that sanitation is not a luxury. It is a basic human right, a foundation for health, dignity, equality and opportunity. Despite global progress, millions of people still lack access to something as fundamental as a safe place to go.

A Global Crisis We Can Not Ignore

The statistics remain staggering:

• 3.4 billion people still live without safely managed sanitation services.

• That is nearly half of the world’s population.

For these billions, the absence of proper toilets means exposure to disease, unsafe environments, limited education opportunities and barriers to equality, particularly for women and girls. World Toilet Day keeps this issue on the global agenda, pushing governments, organisations and communities to take action.

Why Toilets Matter Closer to Home

While the global sanitation crisis demands urgent attention, it is important to recognise that challenges around toilet provision, accessibility and standards still exist here in the UK.

From public toilets closing due to funding cuts, to businesses overlooking the importance of clean facilities, to the ongoing struggle many disabled people face when trying to find accessible or Changing Places toilets, we have significant work to do.

Toilets are more than a convenience. They influence:

• Customer experience

• Staff wellbeing

• Hygiene and safety

• Inclusion and accessibility

• Business reputation

And for millions of disabled people, carers and families, a lack of accessible toilets does not just inconvenience their day, it can prevent them from leaving home altogether.

Accessibility: A Critical Part of the Conversation

Accessibility must sit at the heart of any discussion about toilets.

In the UK, many people still cannot rely on finding:

• Accessible disabled toilets that meet minimum standards

• Changing Places facilities with the space and equipment necessary for dignity

• Well-maintained, clean and safe washrooms in public areas

Accessibility is not optional.
It is a fundamental part of equality, dignity and participation in society.

World Toilet Day is a timely reminder that everyone, regardless of age, disability or circumstance, should be able to access a toilet safely, comfortably and with dignity.

How the Loo of the Year Awards Are Making a Difference

For nearly four decades, the Loo of the Year Awards (LOYA) has been shining a spotlight on the importance of toilet standards across the UK, with accessibility as a core focus.

Through inspections, gradings and awards, we:

• Encourage higher-quality, well-maintained and inclusive facilities

• Promote investment in hygiene, sustainability and accessible design

• Recognise businesses and local authorities leading the way in accessibility

• Support awareness of Changing Places provision

• Highlight the impact toilets have on customer experience and community inclusion

• Use our platform to raise both UK and global sanitation issues

Our mission is simple: to drive improvement, champion excellence and ensure toilets are valued for the essential facilities they are.

Why Awareness Matters

When people understand why toilets matter, positive change follows.
In the UK, awareness leads to better facilities, improved accessibility and greater recognition of the teams who keep these essential spaces running. Globally, awareness fuels advocacy and action for the billions still waiting for safe sanitation.

A Shared Responsibility

World Toilet Day is not just a date in the calendar, it is a call to action.

Whether it is a business investing in accessible facilities, a local authority reopening or upgrading public toilets, or organisations raising awareness of global sanitation issues, every effort matters.

This year’s theme says it clearly:
We will always need a toilet.
And together, we can ensure everyone in the UK and around the world  has access to one.

Where to Find More Information

If you would like to learn more, get involved, or improve your organisation’s toilet provision, here are helpful points of contact:

📧 worldtoiletday@un.org
(Managed by UN-Water — the organisers of World Toilet Day)
🌐 Visit: www.worldtoiletday.info

Changing Places Toilets (Accessibility & Inclusion)

📧 info@changing-places.org
🌐 Visit: www.changing-places.org

Today we mark Purple Tuesday — a global movement dedicated to making the world more accessible, inclusive and welcoming for disabled people, their families, and communities .At the Loo of the Year Awards, we believe this message matters deeply to the world of washrooms, toilets, and public facilities. Because no one should feel side lined or excluded when they simply need a loo.

What is Purple Tuesday?

 Purple Tuesday is more than a single day in November. It’s a commitment by organisations to improve the experience of disabled customers and visitors 365 days a year. It began in the UK and now spans multiple countries. Participating organisations make at least one tangible commitment each year — for example: “We will train our team in disability awareness,” or “We will audit our physical facilities for accessibility.”

There is a strong business case as well as a moral one: globally, the “purple pound” — the spending power of disabled people and their families — is estimated at US $13 trillion.

Why it matters to washrooms & public facilities

Accessibility is often thought of as ramps, lifts, or wide doorways. These absolutely matter. But true inclusion also includes toilets and washrooms, such as:

Can someone using a wheelchair or mobility aid navigate easily into the toilet, around the cubicle, and back out?

Are fixtures (sinks, taps, toilets, supports) designed for ease and dignity?

Are signs, lighting, acoustics, and ambiance suitable for people with sensory or hidden disabilities?

Is space inclusive for carers, family members, or people with larger aids?

Are washrooms maintained to a standard that reflects dignity rather than neglect?

At the Loo of the Year Awards, we inspect and recognise facilities that get it right, aesthetically, functionally, and inclusively. Purple Tuesday underlines that accessibility is everyone’s responsibility.

Our Commitment at the Loo of the Year Awards

On Purple Tuesday, we reaffirm our commitment:

To champion the highest standards for washroom design and operation, especially for accessibility and inclusion.

To raise awareness among entrants, venue operators, and facility managers that inclusive washrooms are essential.

To celebrate facilities that deliver truly inclusive toilet environments.

To encourage organisations to make at least one actionable commitment toward improving accessibility.

How you can get involved

Whether you run a venue, manage washroom facilities, or simply care about inclusive spaces, here are some practical ideas:

Review your washroom(s): is access clear? Are doorways wide enough? Is signage obvious? Could someone with limited mobility or a hidden disability use it comfortably?

Commit publicly: even a small pledge (e.g., “We will review our signage for hidden disabilities by December”) makes a difference.

Train staff: awareness can dramatically improve customer experience.

Think long-term: Purple Tuesday is a focus day, but accessibility is a year-round commitment.

For more information on accessibility, Purple Tuesday, and inclusive washrooms, check out:

Purple Tuesday – Official Website

Scope UK – Purple Pound & Accessibility

Changing Places Toilets – Accessible Toilet Standards

Inclusive Employers – Purple Tuesday Guide

British Toilet Association – Accessibility Guidance

Final Thought

A well-designed washroom says:

“You belong here.”

And with accessible washrooms everywhere, everyone does.

It is such a simple action, yet it is one of the most powerful ways to prevent illness and protect public health. 

 Why Handwashing Matters

According to the Global Handwashing Partnership, effective handwashing can reduce diarrhoeal diseases by up to 40% and respiratory infections by around 20%.

That means fewer sick days, safer communities, and healthier environments — whether in schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, or public washrooms.

To learn more, visit:
👉 Global Handwashing Partnership
👉 World Health Organization – Hand Hygiene

 Our Role at Loo of the Year Awards

At Loo of the Year Awards, we are passionate about recognising excellence in washroom design, cleanliness, and maintenance ; because great washrooms encourage great hygiene habits.

We are also proud to take part in roundtable discussions on inclusive hygiene, helping to raise awareness of the importance of accessible, well-designed facilities for everyone.

Clean, inclusive washrooms do not just make people feel more comfortable, they make proper hand hygiene possible for all.

 Inclusive Hygiene Matters

To wash our hands properly, we must also consider the products and facilities available.

That means ensuring that:

• Soaps, sanitisers, and skincare products are safe and gentle for all users, including those with allergies or sensitivities.

• Hand dryers and paper towel dispensers are easy to use and accessible for people with physical or sensory impairments.

• Washroom layouts allow everyone, including families, carers, and people with additional needs to use them safely and confidently.

For more guidance on inclusive washroom design and hygiene, take a look at:
👉 British Toilet Association
👉 Changing Places UK
👉 Tork UK – Hygiene and Sustainability Resources

 A Collective Effort

Global Handwashing Day is a timely reminder that good hygiene is everyone’s responsibility, from individuals to facility managers, businesses, and policymakers.

Let us all play our part by:
💧 Washing our hands properly and regularly
💧 Making handwashing facilities accessible and inviting
💧 Choosing products that are inclusive and safe for everyone
💧 Recognising the incredible cleaning teams and washroom providers who make it all possible

Together, we can show that clean hands are within reach, for everyone, everywhere. 

Raising Awareness for Hygiene Poverty – Supporting The Hygiene Bank

On Thursday evening, Charles and I attended the Cleanology event at the Law Society in Chancery Lane, held during Hygiene Week 2nd–12th October. The event brought together professionals from across the cleaning and hygiene industries to raise awareness, funds, and connections in support of The Hygiene Bank — a charity doing vital work to tackle hygiene poverty across the UK.

What Is Hygiene Poverty?

Hygiene poverty means not being able to afford many of the everyday hygiene and personal care items most of us take for granted  things like shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, nappies, or laundry detergent.

It’s hard to imagine, but 4.2 million adults in the UK are currently living in hygiene poverty and cannot afford to stay clean.

At The Hygiene Bank, the message is simple but powerful:

“It’s not right that feeling clean should be a luxury or a privilege.”

Why It Matters

Hygiene poverty is not just about cleanliness. It affects confidence, dignity, and mental health  and it can have lasting consequences.

When people can not afford basic hygiene products, they may avoid work, job interviews, or social interactions out of embarrassment. This leads to isolation, anxiety, and even depression. Ultimately, hygiene poverty limits access to education, employment, and opportunities to build a better future.

How You Can Help

The good news is, we can all do something to help. The Hygiene Bank makes it easy for individuals, workplaces, and communities to get involved:

Donate products – Collect or drop off essential items like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, or period products at a local Hygiene Bank drop-off point.

Fundraise or donate money – Financial donations allow The Hygiene Bank to purchase exactly what’s needed and distribute supplies to communities in need.

Partner as a business – Companies across the cleaning, hospitality, and facilities management sectors can collaborate to provide ongoing support through donations, campaigns, or awareness initiatives.

Every contribution — big or small — helps ensure that no one has to face the shame or hardship of going without the basics.

Learn More

To find your nearest drop-off point, make a donation, or learn more about how The Hygiene Bank supports people across the UK, visit www.thehygienebank.com

Events like the Cleanology evening remind us that by coming together as an industry and as individuals, we can help restore dignity, improve lives, and make hygiene poverty a thing of the past.

www.heritageopendays.org.uk

As children across the UK return to school this week, thousands face a hidden challenge: poor toilet provision.

🚽 The facts in the UK:

• Around 1.5 million children and young people live with bowel or bladder conditions. (ERIC, the children’s bowel and bladder charity)
• Nearly 50% of pupils report not being allowed to use the toilet during lessons. (ERIC survey, 2023)
• Over a third (36.6%) of children say they avoid drinking water during the school day, just to reduce the need to go.
• Hospital admissions for constipation among primary-age children have risen by 60% over the past decade, with over 44,000 admissions last year alone. (NHS figures)

❌ When toilets are dirty, broken, or access is restricted, children often “hold on.” This can lead to urinary tract infections, constipation, pain, embarrassment, missed school days, and long-term health issues.

At the Loo of the Year Awards, we know toilets are about so much more than facilities — they are about dignity, health, and wellbeing. That is why we continue to champion higher standards across the UK, from schools to workplaces and public spaces.

This back-to-school season, let us remember: a safe, clean toilet is as essential as pens and books. Every child deserves the right to go when they need to.

👉 Learn more and access resources at ERIC – The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity at https://eric.org.uk

Today, we are proud to stand alongside campaigners, venues, and supporters across the UK to raise awareness of Changing Places toilets — essential facilities that provide dignity, safety, and accessibility for over 250,000 people who cannot use a standard accessible toilet.
These larger, fully equipped spaces with a hoist, changing bench, and space for carers are now found in service stations, shopping centres, visitor attractions, stadiums, and hospitals, and the list is growing. But there is still a long way to go.
At Loo of the Year Awards, we are committed to shining a light on venues that invest in these life-changing facilities. Whether through inspections, recognition, or involvement in national discussions, including roundtable meetings at Westminster and the House of Lords, we are using our voice to promote inclusion and dignity for all.
Let’s continue pushing for more Changing Places across the UK; because everyone deserves to access a toilet that meets their needs.   

https://www.changing-places.org/

Did you know… for people who are deafblind, using a public toilet can be an overwhelming or even an unsafe experience?

🚻 Signage that relies only on vision or sound can cause confusion

Touch-based features (like soap dispensers or flushes) must be intuitive

Doors, locks, and layout need to be easy to navigate

Lighting and contrast matter more than you think

Accessible toilets are not just about ramps and grab rails, they are about creating safe, dignified spaces for everyone.

At the Loo of the Year Awards, we believe no one should be “caught short” especially not those living with dual sensory loss.

This week, we are shining a light on inclusive toilet design and the need for awareness, training, and better facilities.

Let us flush away barriers. ♿

➡️ To learn more or get involved, reach out to:

• Deafblind UK – info@deafblind.org.uk (tech team: hasicom@deafblind.org.uk)

• Deafblind Scotland – info@deafblindscotland.org.uk

• Sense – see their website for deafblind support deafblind.org.uk

• RNIB – connect via their site for resources and guidance facebook.com

At Loo of the Year Awards, we know that toilets are more than just facilities — they are vital touchpoints in our health journey.

That is why we have proudly worked with several incredible charities and organisations over the years to raise awareness around the life-changing (and sometimes life-saving) importance of good toilet access and health education.

💙 P-Wave & Prostate Cancer Awareness
Working with our friends at P-wave, we have helped shine a light on how something as simple as blood in the urine can be a potential warning sign of prostate cancer, bladder issues, or kidney disease. Early detection is key.
🔗 https://prostatecanceruk.org

💜 Crohn’s & Colitis UK
We have supported awareness of inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis — both of which often come with invisible and urgent toilet needs.
🔗 https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk

🌟 Stoma for Life
We have worked with Stoma for Life to raise awareness and support for individuals living with a stoma. Everyone deserves dignity and understanding — especially in washroom environments.
🔗 https://stomaforlife.org.uk

This Men’s Health Week, let’s take a moment to focus on the wellbeing of the men in our lives — and ourselves:

🧠 Mental health matters.
🧻 Toilets matter.
🧬 Early awareness can save lives.

Don’t ignore the signs. Talk more. Get checked. Encourage someone else to do the same.

www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk to find out more.

For more information about Autism and helping raise awareness you can visit https://www.autism.org.uk/

At the Loo of the Year Awards, we believe every toilet tells a story. And when it comes to Changing Places, it is a story of dignity, inclusion, and transformation.

These fully accessible facilities provide essential space and equipment for people with complex disabilities – not just a bigger cubicle, but a place where users and their families can feel safe, supported, and respected.

That is why we are proud to have made the Loo of the Year Awards a platform to champion the Changing Places movement. Over the years, we have worked alongside the Changing Places team to help raise awareness, spotlight best-in-class installations, and highlight the difference these facilities make in real lives.

Thanks to their dedication – and with the support of central government funding – more Changing Places toilets are being built across the UK than ever before. Grant applications are being received, partnerships are being formed, and change is happening.

At our annual event, we shine a light on those making it happen, from local councils and venue operators to architects and campaigners.
In 2025, we proudly honoured Martin Jackaman, one of the original founders of the Changing Places campaign, with our Lifetime Achievement Award. Martin’s tireless work and vision have helped transform accessibility standards across the UK, and his impact will be felt for generations.
We continue to encourage the conversations that lead to action, collaboration, and real change.

Because everyone deserves to access public spaces – and no one should be 'caught short'.

To learn more about the Changing Places campaign and how you can support or apply for a facility, visit www.changing-places.org

Join us at the Loo of the Year Awards 2026 as we continue to support and celebrate the incredible work being done to improve accessible toilet provision across the UK.