SEARCH
Ashdown Phillips have announced new accessible toilet signage in four of their shopping centres across the country.
Ashdown Phillips shopping centres show their guts
A major anxiety for people living with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, is being refused toilet access or being confronted about why they are using a disabled facility.
Whilst someone may look healthy and ‘okay’ on the outside, they may be living with a medical condition and urgently need to use ‘disabled’ or ‘accessible’ facilities.
That's why the new signage, displayed in four shopping centres (Idlewells in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Market Gates in Great Yarmouth, Middleton in Greater Manchester and Clyde Shopping Centre in Clydebank) uses the strapline: ‘not every disability is visible’.
“”
We want to make sure all of our customers feel comfortable when visiting our shopping centres. We’re delighted to install these new signs that help to both increase awareness that not all disabilities are visible, and to ensure that anyone who needs to, can feel confident using our accessible toilets. Following the installation we have had excellent feedback from our customers.
We have been campaigning to change accessible toilet signage across the UK to help raise awareness that not every disability is visible and to improve the quality of life for those with Crohn’s and Colitis.
Thanks to our amazing supporters, the campaign has been a success so far with the UK’s largest supermarkets all adopting the new signage in over 2,500 stores nationwide.
“”
It’s a fantastic step by Ashdown Phillips to install the signage in their shopping centres, helping thousands of its customers with hidden disabilities. Crohn’s & Colitis UK hear of far too many people that are abused for using the accessible toilet facilities they need. Which is why installing this new signage reminding people that not every disability is visible, is so crucial by tackling stigma and giving those with hidden disabilities that extra bit of confidence to get out of their house to go shopping.
With shopping centres also adopting new accessible toilet signs, this small change will make a big and effective difference to all their customers living with hidden medical conditions, ensuring that they can access the facilities they need without fear of criticism or embarrassment.
Read our latest news
Catch up on the latest news from Crohn’s & Colitis UK
Page
saved
This page has been saved in your personal space. Go to “My Page” to view all saved pages.
Helpline Service
Temporary closure - 10/06/2026
Our Helpline will be closed from Wednesday 10 June and will reopen at 10am on Monday 15 June.
We may be closed but we have lots of information here on our website.
If you need urgent medical advice you can call NHS 111 or in Northern Ireland phone your local Phone First. In an emergency call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
If you need emotional support the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123.
We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with Crohn’s or Colitis. But we’re with you. We can give you the right information and support at the right time.
We’re here for everyone.
How Can We Help?
- We can help you understand Crohn’s and Colitis
- Listen and talk about living with IBD
- Help you connect with others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community
- Give you contact details of specialist organisations
- We can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis and provide up-to-date, evidence-based information
Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.
Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).
If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.
Stay in the loop
Together, we’re making the greatest difference. Sign up to hear about the amazing things we’re achieving together.
© Crohn's & Colitis UK