Sheffield campaign

Two years ago, Jane, Josie and Lynn – known as the ‘three flushketeers!’ – began campaigning for Changing Places toilet in Sheffield.

They quickly obtained the support of the City Council and began lobbying everyone they could think of locally and nationally.

Lynn usually makes the initial contact with the venue and Jane and Josie, who work for the Learning Disability Provider Services, deliver the professional expertise. They always offer to help venues with design and sourcing equipment.

As a result of the campaign there are now 7 Changing Places toilets and 2 other changing facilities open in Sheffield and more on the way.

They have made links to other organisations, for example the MS society who have included a section on their website about the campaign.

The campaigners are finding that Changing Places toilets really are changing lives. For example, the Changing Places toilet at the Royal Hallamshire hospital has enabled people with complex needs to link up with See Ability and access the eye clinic there. It has resulted in some people getting the eye care they need for the first time in their lives.

Learning Disability Week events

In June – to coincide with national Learning Disability Week - Sheffield City Council Joint Learning Disabilities Service sponsored a week of activities to highlight the opportunities which are available to people with profound disabilities when the right support and facilities are in place.

The activities were held at Pond’s Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield as it has inclusive state of the art facilities. A range of activities were on offer, including team and individual sports, accessible gym classes, drama, yoga, music, theatre and art.

Stephen Miller, one of the UK’s most successful Paralympic athletes was there for a day and has agreed to support their campaign.

At the end of the week a ceremony was held to showcase the mobile Changing Places toilet which Sheffield City Council and Joint Learning Disability Service are purchasing for the city. Attendees included the Lord Mayor, Councillors and MPs David Blunkett and Clive Betts who have been supportive of the local campaign from the start.

Guide to Changing Places toilets in Sheffield

The campaign group have produced a guide to all the Changing Places toilets and accessible attractions in Sheffield. A copy can be obtained from First Point at Howden House in Sheffield. The list is also on the council website: www.signpostsheffield.org.uk/leisure/changing-places