Coventry is shining a spotlight on the importance of accessible toilets in the city centre, as the grassroots campaign Need the Loo continues to turn local voices into practical action.
Limited access to public toilets is more than an inconvenience—it’s a barrier that isolates people, restricts participation in community life and exposes wider inequalities.
The Need the Loo campaign, supported by Grapevine’s Connecting for Good, is the result of this collective action with Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire and other agencies and national charities.
When toilets are hard to find or poorly signposted, it can dictate where people go, how long they stay out and whether they feel confident taking part in everyday life.
The team approached Coventry City Council highlighting the fact that one in five people are choosing to stay at home because they are worried that they won't be able to find a clean, accessible toilet?
As a result, the Council has responded by updating 240 wayfinder signs across 34 locations and helping everyone—from residents to visitors—find toilets and accessibility features quickly.
Some of the things the public say: “Due to medication, I sometimes can’t get to a toilet quickly enough. When I have an accident, it’s shameful and isolating—clean, accessible toilets would make a world of difference.” (Coventry resident)
“For many older people, not knowing where a toilet is can mean staying home alone. This campaign gives reassurance and choice, helping people enjoy their city safely.” (Scott Collins, Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire)
The wayfinder signs provide extra information about toilet facilities, including what is available, how far the nearest loo is and accessibility features.
Cllr Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member for City Services, said: “I’m really pleased that we have been able to support this important work. I hope that we can do more in the future, but I do feel that the improvements to signage are a positive step.”
The campaign team now works in partnership with Colostomy UK, the Bladder and Bowel Organisation, Coventry Central Hall, the British Toilet Association and Coventry City Council.
Melissa Smith, from Grapevine’s Connecting for Good community organising team, said: “This campaign demonstrates how community organising can turn frustration into action. When residents lead, supported by organisations, change happens that improves life for everyone in the city.”
Cllr Christine Thomas, Chair of the Council’s Disability Equality Action Partnership, said: “Better information about accessible toilets makes a real difference. It gives people reassurance and choice, helping them spend longer in the city centre without worry. We also have Changing Place venues in the city which also mean more facilities for people who need it most”
The team has also been reaching out to local businesses, encouraging them to take simple steps to improve facilities, such as adding sanitary bins in men’s toilets, providing stoma-friendly spaces, and displaying clear signage.
Anne Fogon, from Need the Loo, said: “Need the Loo is proud that we've made the Council and other decision makers start to take the issue of access to public toilets seriously. But we've only just begun. There's a lot of work to be done to improve standards of existing toilets and add more toilets where there are none. We hope that local people will support our campaign and join us in making the city a more welcoming and inclusive place.”
How to get involved. Get in touch with Grapevine to pledge your support at mvsmith@grapevinecovandwarks.org.