The National Key Scheme, also known as the RADAR Scheme, was developed because some public toilets designed for disabled people had to be locked to prevent damage and misuse. This has been countered by their being locked separately from other toilets. The NKS aims to provide key holders with independent access to the toilets provided for them and increase the likelihood of the facilities being in a useable state.

If accessible toilets for disabled people do have to be locked, providers are asked to join the NKS, which involves fitting standard locks to their toilets and making keys available for sale to disabled people. Over 400 local authorities in all parts of the country have now adopted the scheme.

In addition to public conveniences, toilets for disabled people provided by a wide range of other public, voluntary and commercial organisations have been fitted with the NKS lock. So it can now be found in shopping centers, country parks, railway and bus stations, bars, motorway service areas and sports venues. Around 7000 toilets are now fitted with the lock and can be found from Shetland to Jersey and Derry to Dover.

As an ostomy or an internal pouch wearer you are fully entitled to be a NKS key holder.

The Life Goes On Foundation’s Free Key Project has been set up to provide new Scottish ostomates in Scotland with a free NKS key.

If you are a new ostomate or internal pouch wearer, live in Scotland and require a free NKS key, please contact us quoting Free Key and we will be in touch.