Kirklees Council receives £90k funding to improve accessibility with Changing Places Toilets
Kirklees Council has secured £89,250 funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), which will be used to support the delivery of three new Changing Places Toilet facilities across the town.
Recently, the chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed in his Spring Statement that over £23.5 million was allocated to 191 councils across England to install life-enhancing Changing Places toilets in public places and tourist attractions, dramatically increasing accessibility in areas where users want them most.
The funding from the DLUHC will be used to build new facilities in Dewsbury Market, Mirfield Library and Slaithwaite Civic Hall in partnership with Slaithwaite Civic Hall & Experience Community.
Slaithwaite Civic Hall & Experience Community is a community interest company that organises walks and outdoor activities for the disabled community in Kirklees and beyond into the wider Yorkshire area.
Changing Places toilets offer an all-in-one facility for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities or with physical disabilities.
Changing Places Toilets are typically 12 metres square in size, feature a toilet that allows space for wheelchair users and their carers; a washbasin that is height adjustable; handrails; privacy curtains; a hoist for wheelchair users and a multi-purpose changing bench. These features allow users to maintain their dignity and independence when going out.
Councillor Carole Pattison, Cabinet Member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities said: “Changing Places Toilets are a lifeline for people who often have to choose between going out and staying at home because of their needs.
“These new facilities will help to create inclusive communities by making our town centre places and spaces accessible for all. We are also reviewing existing changing places facilities with a view to upgrading them wherever possible so people can engage in leisure activities.”
Plans to build the new Changing Places Toilets are part of Kirklees wider review of existing facilities. This work also aims to tackle inequalities, create more inclusive spaces and communities whilst enabling adults with disabilities to be more independent in their everyday life. Funding to deliver the new facilities must be spent by March 2024.
https://thiis.co.uk/kirklees-council-receives-90k-funding-to-improve-accessibility-with-changing-places-toilets/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Ropox-Changing-Places.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Ropox-Changing-Places-150x150.jpgInvestments & FundingNewsroomSector Newsaccessible,Changing Places toilet,Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities,disabled toiletsKirklees Council has secured £89,250 funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), which will be used to support the delivery of three new Changing Places Toilet facilities across the town. Recently, the chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed in his Spring Statement that over £23.5 million was allocated...Millie YorkMillie Yorkmillie.york@bhta.comEditorTHIIS Magazine