Charity campaign flushed with success as Loo of the Year Awards recognise the needs of people with severe disabilities
12 December 2006
Eight venues from across the UK were presented with a special ‘Changing Places’ Award at a national ceremony held in Birmingham on 8 December 2006.
The Annual Loo of the Year Awards competition was introduced in 1987 and is promoted by the British Toilet Association. The awards have helped focus the spotlight on 'away from home' toilets throughout the UK and have a simple objective, namely, to encourage the highest possible standards in all types of 'away from home' or public toilets.
A new category which recognises the needs of people with severe disabilities was introduced this year. The Changing Places Award, established in conjunction with the Changing Places campaign, was presented to eight organisations which have installed fully accessible Changing Places toilets with a height-adjustable changing bench, hoist and plenty of space for disabled people who need assistance to use the toilet.
The winning venues were:
- Pamis, Dundee
- Lifestyle, Glasgow
- Murray Owen Centre, East Kilbride
- Fisherrow Harbour, Musselburgh
- Greyhound Street, Nottingham
- Andy Loos, Worcestershire
- The Sage, Gateshead
- thecentre:mk
Andy Loos, who are the first organisation to provide a mobile Changing Places toilet, were further honoured by being named as the major trophy winner in the accessible toilets category.
The consortium are delighted that the campaign is being supported by these national awards. Jo Williams, Mencap’s chief executive said: “Too often the needs of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their carers are ignored. It is fantastic news that the Loo of the Year Awards is supporting our campaign and recognising the vital importance these toilets play in enabling people with a disability, and their carers, to access the community. We congratulate those venues who do provide a Changing Places toilet for opening up a world of opportunity for thousands of disabled people and their families.”
Richard Chisnell, Director, Loo of the Year Awards 2006 said: “We are delighted that the Loo of the Year Awards is able to support this important new Changing Places initiative as it marks a significant step towards ensuring that our society becomes fully inclusive.”
Many disabled people in the UK would benefit from a Changing Places toilet, including 40,000 people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Yet to date only 21 facilities have been identified. It is hoped the Loo of the Year Awards will encourage more organisations to provide such facilities for members of the public.
> Read more information about the Loo of the Year Awards 2006
