Bladder and bowel problems are common symptoms amongst people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and three-quarters of people are likely to experience continence problems at some point. Finding a toilet when you need one can be especially important and can be a source of worry and anxiety for many.
The Great British Public Toilet Map is a useful online map that allows you to search for toilets near you or help you plan for where the nearest public toilet is if you are going out. You can even search for accessible public toilets.
Accessible public toilets are normally accessed by using what is commonly called a ‘radar’ key but is part of the National Key Scheme. The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (Radar) was an organisation that grew into the charity Disability Rights UK (DRUK). DRUK continue to manage the National Key Scheme. You can buy a key from their website. The National Key Scheme (NKS) gives people with a disability the ability to use locked public toilets around the country. Toilets fitted with NKS locks can now be found in most parts of the country.
The ‘Bladder and Bowel Community’ have a Just can’t wait card, which is available both digitally and physically. The charity Disabled Living’s sister project Bladder and Bowel UK also have a Just can’t wait card. Both cards are recognised by many public organisations and retail outlets. Although the cards do not guarantee access to a toilet, many people that are aware of the scheme are often happy to provide access.
