A man from Bournemouth has created an app to address a common yet often overlooked issue: the lack of accessible public toilets. The app, aptly named Where to Wee, is a free smartphone application that aims to solve a problem many people face daily. It provides a comprehensive solution by mapping out public toilet locations, indicating their status (open or closed), and even allowing users to report issues with specific facilities.
Blessing Fasina, the 29-year-old entrepreneur behind this app, moved to the UK from Nigeria in 2023 to pursue his master's degree. His personal experience with the lack of public facilities sparked the idea for the app. As he noted, "When I got to the UK and went out, I couldn’t find a toilet. This was surprising as you don’t expect this in a first-world country." This realization, coupled with his background in app development and work experience in the NHS, led him to create Where to Wee.
The app's primary function is to provide users with the location of the nearest public toilets. However, it also offers a unique feature: users can report toilets that are out of order, similar to the live updates provided by Waze for road conditions. This feature is particularly useful for groups like older people, young families, and pregnant women, who often face the most inconvenience due to the lack of accessible public facilities.
The app's impact is already evident, with over 3,000 users and 75,000 web impressions. It covers locations across the UK, including Bournemouth, where several public toilets have recently closed due to various issues, such as vandalism and anti-social behavior. Fasina's goal is to collaborate with councils to improve the accuracy and accessibility of public toilet information.
What makes this app particularly impressive is Fasina's decision to make it completely free and ad-free. He believes in giving back to the community and the country that has provided him with opportunities. As he states, "I’ve had people asking: am I going to have to pay for this app? But I said no—since coming to the UK in 2023, this country has given me lots of opportunities and different experiences. The app is completely free with no adverts—it’s my way of giving back to the community and the country."
In conclusion, Where to Wee is a testament to the power of innovation driven by personal experience. It addresses a common issue in a practical and user-friendly manner, showcasing the potential for technology to improve daily life. As the app continues to grow in popularity, it may also inspire further discussions and actions to improve public toilet infrastructure across the UK.
