Changing Places facilities across the county changing lives

The last of the funding was allocated in March

A grant scheme has seen 12 enhanced toilet facilities installed in public spaces and attractions across Leicestershire to meet the needs of people with multiple and profound disabilities.

Over the last five years more than £170,000 in Shire Changing Places grants has been allocated to local businesses and organisations to ensure enhanced toilet facilities are available to residents and visitors to the county. 

The 12 facilities can be found in various locations including leisure centres and museums. The county’s latest Shire Changing Places grant funded toilet was opened at Twycross Zoo earlier this year.

Changing Places toilets are designed to meet the needs of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as other serious impairments such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis or an acquired brain injury.

Over the last five years we have encouraged local businesses and organisations to apply for funding from the Shire Changing Places grant scheme and it has proved very popular.

“These facilities ensure that disabled people and their carers maintain their dignity and comfort and offer the opportunity for disabled people and their families to spend quality time together in a way that many of us simply take for granted.”

Person:Councillor Richard Blunt, cabinet member for adult social care

The last of the funding was allocated in March. When the final three projects are completed, it will bring the total number of facilities in Leicestershire to 15.

The 12 existing Changing Places toilets in Leicestershire are in Charnwood (3), North West Leicestershire (1), Melton (2), Blaby (2), Oadby and Wigston (2) and Hinckley and Bosworth (2).

For more information on Changing Places in Leicestershire and nationally visit www.changing-places.orgOpens another website in new window .