[C]umbria CVS have officially opened their Changing Places Toilet to the general public at their Resource Centre at Shaddongate, Carlisle.
Over a quarter of a million severely disabled people, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, do not have access to public toilet facilities that meet their needs.
Changing Places Toilets provide a spacious, clean and safe environment that offer all people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well people with other physical disabilities the equipment and space to allow them to use the toilet safely and comfortably.
The facility includes a height adjustable adult changing table and sink, ceiling track hoist, easy access shower, non-slip floor, contrasting fittings along with other features to promote safety and dignity.
Cumbria CVS Chief Executive Officer, Laura Cadman said ‘It’s a privilege to host such a wonderful facility in our hub in Carlisle, one of only a handful across Cumbria. The Changing Places Toilet is available to be used both by those who live within the area of Shaddongate but also to visitors coming into the city. Our aim is to make it as accessible as possible to those that need it and we look forward to it receiving regular use.’
Cumbria CVS Chair, Simon Thorrington said, ‘Changing Places toilets are a really important issue in the UK. They make a real difference to the lives of disabled children, adults and their carers.
Cumbria CVS endeavours to ensure that all its activites are fully accessible and so we were delighted when we realised that our new premises at Shaddongate housed such an amazing facility. We are very thankful to Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council for their support in re-opening ths important part of this recently reinstated building. We welcome everyone and anyone to our wonderful new building and now in particular to this newly refurbished facility.’
Glenys Marriott, Chair of the Cumbria Neurological Alliance today (14/06/18) opened the new Changing Places Toilet in the Cumbria CVS offices in Carlisle. She congratulated the CVS and Carlisle City Council for providing exceptional facilities and for ensuring that they were available to members of the public.
Glenys said, “Over a quarter of a million people need Changing Places toilets to enable them to get out and about and enjoy the day to day activities many of us take for granted. This high quality facility is an indication of the respect which Cumbria CVS pays its clients, visitors and residents and we shall be pleased to signpost it to our members. Equity of access to appropriate toilet facilities is a human right and we are delighted at the care taken by the CVS to offer this provision”.
Glenys was accompanied by Jane Brown from the CP Society and Maureen Arca, the parent of a daughter who needs such provision.
The Changing Places Toilet is located on the ground floor of the Cumbria CVS Resource Centre, Shaddongate, Carlisle (opposite Subway) and is accessible Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday until 3pm. The venue has two disabled car parking spaces and is fully accessible.