'Toilet Woman' shines light on Changing Places campaign success

For years, Jill Clark’s freedom to travel, socialise and enjoy a day out depended on one thing: whether she could find a suitable toilet.

On Changing Places Awareness Day 2026, which marks 20 years since the UK-wide initiative launched, Jill is reflecting on how far the movement has come.

The Glasgow campaigner, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, has spent more than a decade fighting for more Changing Places toilets across Scotland and has become known as ‘The Toilet Woman.’

Unlike standard accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities include specialist equipment such as a hoist and changing bench, while providing enough space for a wheelchair user and two carers to move around safely.

Jill requires a hoist to use the toilet Jill Clark/The Toilet Woman FB

Jill, 34, told STV News: “Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of people with a disability.

“Over a quarter-million people in the UK need extra equipment and space to allow them to use their toilets safely and comfortably.”

Without them, Jill says she loses a degree of independence.

“If I was asked to go somewhere, I can’t just say yes. I have to check if there is a Changing Places toilet, or where the nearest one is. It really affects my day.”

Jill has dedicated the last 12 years of her life to making loos more accessible.

When she first began, there were two Changing Places toilets in her area, at St Enoch Centre in Glasgow and Braehead shopping centre in Renfrewshire.

Thanks to campaigning and Scottish Government funding, that number has increased to 26 facilities in Glasgow, with even more on the way in areas like Perth.

A Changing Places toilet Changing Places

The Scottish Government committed £10m over 2025-26 and 2026-27 to increase the number of Changing Places toilets across Scotland. Ministers say the fund aims to help create up to 150 additional facilities.

But Jill says the battle is far from over – and that more awareness is needed around accessible spaces.

“I know talking about toilets seems to be a bit awkward,” Jill says. “But for disabled people like myself, it is a challenge to find a toilet which meets our needs.

“That’s why Changing Places toilets are so important.

“These toilets have made a huge difference to me and to other peopleʼs lives.”

Jill says it’s her dream to see facilities installed everywhere to make Scotland more inclusive.

“Please get behind and support Changing Places toilets. Every new facility gives disabled people and their families more dignity, independence and freedom.”