London landmark launches Changing Places toilet
15 August 08
Work has recently been completed on a new Changing Places facility at City Hall, the headquarters of the Greater London Authority and the Mayor of London.
This is the latest addition to the very small number of Changing Places toilets available across the UK, which provide a height adjustable changing bench, hoist and plenty of space.
City Hall is situated on London's South Bank, in close proximity to many of London’s major attractions. The Changing Places toilet will be available to anyone who needs it until 6pm on weekdays and at weekends.
Changing Places toilets are needed by many thousands of disabled people who need support to use the toilet or have their continence pad changed. Without them, families are unable to go out or are forced to change people on dirty toilet floors. This new facility will allow many thousands of disabled people and their families to visit London safe in the knowledge that they can access a facility that meets their needs.
David Morris, Mayor of London's Senior Policy Adviser (Disability Issues) says:
"Following a discussion with Changing Places, I made a commitment to raise the bar and look at something new. I am still challenging people who build facilities that are deemed to be accessible by predefined standards, but which still exclude many people because of the design."
The new Changing Places toilet was officially opened at a recent reception, providing an opportunity to promote and celebrate the work of both the team at City Hall and the Changing Places Consortium.
Leroy Binns, campaigns support assistant at Mencap attended the launch event.
"It was a very good nigh and we were the first to see the Changing Places toilet. It was good the way that it opened by the press of a button from outside, it is very accessible".
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Further information:
- To contact the Changing Places Consortium email changingplaces@mencap.org.uk or call 020 7696 6954
