fbpx

Help us make the UK more accessible for people with stomas

07 November, 2024

https://colostomyuk.civiplus.net/ssp/purple-tuesday-register-your-interest-working-us

Purple Tuesday (On November 12th)  is an initiative supporting organisations to improve their customer experience for people who face accessibility barriers in services and venues.

This Purple Tuesday, we aim to educate businesses, retailers, and the public about the importance of inclusivity by raising awareness around stoma-friendly accessible toilets, attitudes towards people living with a stoma and improved care for people living with a stoma.

Our Stoma Aware survey showed that for many people living with a stoma in the UK a combination of a lack of suitable toilet facilities, and lack of awareness limits their ability to do many of the things  that much of society will take for granted, leading to them feeling socially excluded.

  • 62% of respondents believe a lack of suitable toilet facilities impacts on their daily life, limiting their ability to do many of the things we take for granted such as going to the shops, the theatre, or a coffee with friends. This figure is significantly higher than the 20% of the general public that the Royal Society for Public Health reported in 2019, are put off venturing from their homes as often as they would like due to a concern over lack of toilets.
  • 25% are also worried about using an accessible toilet having previously been verbally or physically abused for doing so, as their disability/ condition is hidden. This behaviour from others can lead to mental health issues and isolation for the individual
  • 22% believe a lack of general awareness of stomas, and the day to day challenges of managing their stoma impacts on their daily life
  • 4 % do not go out due to worries about being able to manage their stomas

So on Purple Tuesday we are asking businesses, venues, and employers to help us make the UK a more accessible place for people living with stomas.

There are a number of ways you can do this, including having us deliver Stoma Aware training to customer facing staff, upgrading your accessible toilets so they are Stoma Friendly, Training in practical stoma care to Health and Social Care professionals, or by pledging a donation to help support our Stoma Aware campaign.

For more information on any  of these options please complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch!

https://colostomyuk.civiplus.net/ssp/purple-tuesday-register-your-interest-working-us

Stay in touch