Bristol: Disabled women call for greater access to toilets

Disabled Women Take Action allows disabled women and those with long-term health conditions to share their experiences and campaign for change

Disabled women in Bristol are stepping up their campaign for better access to public toilets.

Disabled Women Take Action (DWTA) is urging more firms to let people use their facilities via the Community Toilet Scheme.

So far 156 businesses have signed up, but the charity claimed staff only allow customers to use their toilets.

A new film aims to increase awareness and help individual venues understand the challenges faced by disabled women.

Fiona said: "Sometimes I dehydrate myself before I go out so I won't have to go to the toilet"

Fiona, a member of the DWTA said: "In Bristol, there are not that many toilets that I know about. So if I go shopping, and I'm walking with a stroller and the toilet is a long way away, it's really difficult to make it."

Debbie, who has a long-term stomach illness leading her to urgently need the toilet when she has episodes, said: "I would plan going out depending on how near the public toilets are."

Jemma belongs to Disabled Women Take Action and said: "There is a financial issue if the only toilet available is in a coffee shop and you're obliged to spend money."

• Accessible toilets to be installed in tourist spots

• Disabled traveller demands dignity and respect

'Financial burden'

The Community Toilet Scheme was set up by Bristol City Council following the closure of many public toilets.

Businesses and organisations such as bars, restaurants, and cafes open their toilet facilities to members of the public when needed, without them having to purchase anything.

Research has found 56% of the public deliberately dehydrate themselves over concerns about access to public toilets. This is more pronounced for women.

Helen Ince, co-project lead at Bristol Women's Voice, a charity under the DWTA umbrella, said: "We know women take 2.3 times longer than men, on average, in the toilet for reasons related to menstruation, pregnancy, and clothing.

"There is also a financial burden when we cannot access free toilets.

"Having to spend £3 on a cup of tea or coffee whenever we want to use the bathroom becomes extortionate as well as perpetuating the cycle of needing a bathroom," she said.

The film aims to encourage more businesses to allow disabled people to use their facilities

DWTA said it would like to see the scheme better promoted through street signs, window displays, and sources of funding explored to support participating venues in maintaining the facilities.