Changing Places fund

Councils are being urged to apply for a share of a £30 million fund to install life-enhancing Changing Places toilets in public places and tourist attractions, providing a significant increase in areas where users want them most.

There are currently around 1,200 registered Changing Places toilets in England, including in branches of Tesco. These are larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches, and space for carers.

Over 250,000 people in the country need these facilities to enable them to get out and about and enjoy the day-to-day activities many of us take for granted.

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Research conducted by the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers, also published today, demonstrates that the top 3 places where people currently use and value CPTs are shops, hospitals, and tourist attractions.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP said: “I have supported the Changing Places scheme ever since hearing first hand from parents of disabled children the difficulties they faced in finding accessible public facilities – something which the rest of us just take for granted.”

Muscular Dystrophy UK, co-chairs of the Changing Places Consortium, will be providing specialist expertise to support local councils if they are awarded funding which will include advice, information and training; collaborative network support; and signposting to suppliers and installation companies.

Robert Burley, Muscular Dystrophy UK Director of Campaigns, Care and Support said: “We are delighted to be supporting this MHCLG initiative, which will make a huge difference to the lives of people who rely on Changing Places toilets, many of whom live with muscle-wasting conditions.”

In Leeds, Bairbre McKendrick, Access Officer at Leeds City Council said that it has been working hard at providing Changing Places toilets throughout the city since 2011, and is urging other local authorities to not delay in applying.

She commented: “We currently have 42 CPTs half of which are in Leeds City Council buildings or Parks and which we maintain.

“After 10 years we still have more sites where a CPT would really be beneficial to families and individuals who use them.

“Our advice to other local authorities is not to be hesitant and apply for this funding, as users will be delighted to have new CPTs and will definitely use them. Your city and towns will benefit from CPTs and the freedom they can offer to people who need them.”

Councils are invited to complete a short expression of interest to receive a proportion of this funding.

They are encouraged to consider where Changing Places toilets are most needed in their communities and are encouraged to work in partnership with other organisations to deliver these facilities, including securing match funding wherever possible.

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/changing-places.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/changing-places-150x150.jpgLiane McIvorGovernment & Local AuthoritiesInvestments & FundingNewsroomSector NewsThird Sectoraccessible,changing places,Fund,public facilities,toiletsCouncils are being urged to apply for a share of a £30 million fund to install life-enhancing Changing Places toilets in public places and tourist attractions, providing a significant increase in areas where users want them most. There are currently around 1,200 registered Changing Places toilets in England, including in...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals