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Free Webinar Showcases How Community Toilet Schemes Can Improve Accessibility and Inclusion

Cartoon drawing showing problems of not finding loos - a toilet out of order, steps down to a toilet and customers only

Published on 20 October 2026 03:57 PM

Age UK London and The Royal College of Art's Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design are inviting local authority officers, councillors, community organisations and other stakeholders to attend a free webinar exploring the growing role of Community Toilet Schemes (CTS) in creating more inclusive, accessible and welcoming places.

Taking place on Wednesday 9 December from 11:00am to 12:30 on Zoom, the webinar will bring together experts and practitioners from across the country to share examples of successful schemes operating in both rural and urban settings.

A Community Toilet Scheme enables participating businesses and organisations to allow members of the public to use their toilets without needing to make a purchase or payment. These schemes are often coordinated by local authorities, although business improvement districts and community organisations have also successfully led local initiatives.

The event will showcase practical case studies from:

  • The London Borough of Haringey
  • The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
  • Kendal Futures, Cumbria
  • Other organisations and councils working to improve public toilet provision

Attendees will hear first-hand about the benefits, challenges and opportunities involved in developing and managing a CTS, as well as wider work to improve local toilet access and inclusion.

The webinar will also highlight key findings from the newly published guidance on Community Toilet Schemes, developed through The Places We Go research project. The guidance draws on the experiences and insights of local authority staff across London and offers practical recommendations for councils looking to establish or strengthen schemes in their areas.

Access to toilets is a crucial but often overlooked element of public infrastructure. A lack of available facilities can restrict people's ability to travel, socialise, shop, work and participate fully in community life, particularly for older people, disabled people and those living with health conditions.

The organisers are encouraging participation from local authorities currently delivering Community Toilet Schemes, councils interested in developing schemes, and community organisations seeking to improve local access to toilet facilities.

Event Details

What: Community Toilet Schemes Webinar
When: Wednesday 9 December, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free

Book your place here.