LOO4U-CLARE Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Clare Women to Ensure There’s a Loo4U in Every Town

Ennis, County Clare

In response to Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland’s (CCI) ongoing calls for greater accessibility to public restrooms, the LOO4U-CLARE initiative is set to make a significant impact in County Clare. Hilary Tonge and Jan Strozer are leading the charge.  LOO4U-CLARE aims to increase mental well-being and social participation by providing information on toilets available in communities and raising awareness of toilet urgency thereby decreasing stigma and providing individuals with the confidence and peace of mind to enjoy their community's amenities, retail, hospitality, and events.

“Many towns in Clare suffer from a lack of accessible toilets, and those that do exist are often restricted to customers or people with visible disabilities,” explains Jan Strozer, a dedicated volunteer with Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland (CCI).  Jan adds “The reality is that everyone needs to use the toilet. Some people, especially those living with conditions like Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis, can face urgent needs. Being forced to explain their invisible disability can often result in an embarrassing situation. Why should anyone be required to explain something so basic?”

Hilary Tonge adds, “Disabilities are diverse and unique.  Many people face challenges that are not visible but are impactful.  We need to respect these experiences.  We’re simply asking businesses and public spaces to recognise the importance of inclusivity. People living with IBD, stomas, or other conditions need a safe, accessible place to go when nature calls—without judgment or barriers.”

Working alongside Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland (CCI), the leading support charity for over 50,000 individuals living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) across the country, Tonge and Strozer are calling on businesses and public facilities to support those with urgent restroom needs. CCI encourages businesses to also recognise the charity’s “No Wait Card”, which allows individuals with IBD to bypass queues when using public restrooms. The card helps reduce the stress and anxiety that can be caused by waiting for a restroom when it's urgently needed.

“A lack of accessible toilets can cause immense fear, leading to isolation and embarrassment,” says Amy Kelly, COO of Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland. “It’s also an issue that impacts the wider community—businesses risk alienating potential customers when they fail to provide facilities to those who need them most. The LOO4U-CLARE campaign is a crucial step towards creating more inclusive and compassionate spaces for everyone.”

The LOO4U-CLARE initiative draws inspiration from successful models like the Nette Toilette and WC Sligo schemes. The WCSligo initiative, for example, has seen local businesses in Sligo commit to providing their restrooms for public use, offering people with hidden disabilities and other urgent needs access without requiring them to make a purchase or explain their situation. Tonge and Strozer aim to replicate this model in County Clare, starting by mapping existing toilet facilities that are easily available.  Future plans include recruiting businesses to display a “LOO4U-CLARE” sticker in their window (this sticker will indicate that anyone in need of a toilet is welcome, no purchase required), awareness and advocacy for toilet urgency, and seeking out support from the Clare County Council to be given to business that are eager to participate.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Jan at loo4uclare@gmail.com or go to www.loo4uclare.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/loo4uclare/.