Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110

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British Toilet Association launches UK Toilet Map

The British Toilet Association has launched an interactive toilet map; a state-of-the-art app that can be used on mobile phones, tablets and PCs.

The map displays the exact location of over 780 toilets across the UK and then expand the information to show opening and closing times, as well as vital information on the overall provision within each toilet for their specialised needs.

Developed in partnership with learning disability charity Mencap, and PAMIS (the Profound & Multiple Impairment Service), with the help of a £10,000 grant made in 2013 by the British Cleaning Council, the map has been specifically designed for the thousands of individuals in the UK who are suffering from PMLD (Profound & Multiple Learning Difficulties) and will help their families and carers to find accessible public toilets.

Most PMLD individuals need very specialised toilet equipment such as hoists, height adjustable beds, screens, sharps disposal and ostomy equipment. The toilets are of sufficient size to allow a wheelchair and up to two adults to move freely in use. Most are protected by a Radar key entry or via local control. In just a few short years the Charter Group has seen the number of CP toilets rise to 784 across the UK and at present are increasing by around 10 - 15 per month.

The new system replaces the Changing Places map; it will be faster and will provide greater accuracy to the actual toilet location and opening hours. The introduction of a trip planner will greatly help carers and support groups plan for extended journeys. It will also produce an accurate database showing where provision is low or lacking, and where new sites are needed.

BTA Chairman Raymond Martin says: "We would like to thank the BCC for helping to make this map possible. Without the seed funding we received from the Council, we might not have been able to get it off the ground."

BCC Chairman Simon Hollingbery says: "On behalf of the BCC I'd like to congratulate the British Toilet Association on the launch of the Toilet Map. The BCC was very pleased to be able to offer funding for this extremely innovative new app, and it is exactly the kind of project that our grant scheme was set up to support."

The BTA is hoping that after this initial public launch it will be able to generate further sponsorship so it can continue to develop the app by adding more public facilities and further features.

E: [email protected]
W: www.changing-places.org

3rd December 2015