Taking inspiration from a campaign started by Scottish school girl, Grace Warnock, Bents Garden & Home has introduced new toilet door signs to help people with ‘invisible illnesses’ get better access to bathroom facilities.
Grace, who suffers from Crohn’s Disease, wanted to take action to help those people who have an invisible illness and help avoid being denied access or questioned about using a disabled toilet.
Her design for a new accessible toilet sign, which features two people with red hearts standing next to the traditional image of a wheelchair user, is now being used widely in shops, leisure centres and public buildings, including the Scottish Parliament.
In line with Grace’s Sign campaign, which has the backing of Crohn’s and Colitis UK charity, Glazebury based Bents has formed its own signage which now features on all disabled facilities at the Centre. It is hoped it will not only support those suffering from invisible illnesses, but will also help as part of the Centre’s commitment to become a dementia friendly destination.
This year Bents is supporting Alzheimer’s Society and in addition to raising funds for the charity, it also hopes to gain recognition as a dementia friendly destination and believes access to alternative toilet facilities may help those individuals who may need more care, space or extra assistance.
Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bents Garden & Home said: “We first saw news of Grace’s Sign campaign in the trade press. A garden centre in Scotland has introduced the new signage and we immediately thought it was a great idea. It is such a simple concept, but one which we believe will be of help to many people.”
Further details about Grace’s Sign campaign can be found online on her facebook page.
