Newly announced figures show that funding has been made available for new Changing Places toilets across the UK, as part of the first round of the Changing Places Fund.
Through the CPF, local authorities will receive £23.5 million to boost the provision of Changing Places toilets in existing buildings. This investment will make public amenities such as libraries, cinemas, and museums accessible to everyone in society, as we build back fairer.
Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard facilities. They are equipped with hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches, and can support both users, their families, and carers.
There are currently 1,300 Changing Places toilets in the England, but this announcement provides funding for an additional 500 rooms.
The new rooms will be delivered across a range of public venues, including cinemas, galleries, shopping centres, museums, visitor centres, beaches, parks, and other entertainment spaces – ensuring those with severe disabilities have the resources they need to enjoy public amenities.
Muscular Dystrophy UK is working in partnership with the Government to deliver the additional spaces, and are supporting local authorities in providing technical advice and training.
Following news of the new funding programme, the Member of Parliament for Winchester has looked back on previous local campaigns on the issue, including a £30,000 public appeal by Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium. The campaign spearheaded by Finn from Bishops Waltham, who has cerebral palsy, his family, and Steve Brine MP culminated in a first round of funding by the Government in 2019.
Steve Brine said; “Our public spaces provide fantastic opportunities to get out and see our communities, so it is only right that everybody can enjoy them.”
“That is why I welcome this new batch of national funding, which will help to bring new Changing Places toilets to locations such as cinemas, museums, and libraries. The move will ensure that our public spaces and venues are accessible to everyone – bringing equality to our communities as we build back fairer”
“This may seem like a small problem but it’s certainly not and it has a huge impact on children. I’m so glad that the Government has continued this important work.”
Eddie Hughes, Ministerial Disability Champion, said; “It goes without saying that people with severe disabilities, their families and carers should be able to go shopping, plan a day out or travel without needing to worry about whether they will have access to suitable toilet facilities.
I am delighted that our funding today will help provide over 500 new Changing Places toilets in England, enabling people to enjoy everything their local area has to offer with dignity and freedom”
Pictured; Steve Brine MP with campaigner Finn and his family in 2018.
