Changing Places and accessible toilets near you
Did you know that over 250,000 people in the UK need Changing Places toilets to help them get out and do everyday things that many of us take for granted?
To use a toilet safely and comfortably, some people need extra space and special equipment, like an adjustable changing bench, a toilet with room on both sides, and a ceiling hoist. And with bladder and bowel issues affecting 14 million people, it's also important to have a place to change safely and privately should people require this.
Changing Places toilets are crucial for people with learning or physical disabilities, such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy, or multiple sclerosis. These individuals may have limited mobility and need special equipment or assistance from caregivers to use the toilet or change continence pads.
Regular accessible toilets often don't have the necessary equipment or space. Standard toilets are usually too small for more than one person, and without Changing Places toilets, people with disabilities are at risk. Caregivers sometimes have to change people on the floor, which is unsafe, unhygienic, and degrading. Changing Places toilets provide a safer, more comfortable solution and should be available alongside regular accessible toilets.
What Changing Places toilets offer
They are different to standard disabled toilets because they have a:
- centrally placed toilet with room either side for carers
- washing and changing area with enough space for the disabled person and up to two carers
- screen or curtain to give the disabled person or carer some privacy
- tracking hoist system, or mobile hoist if this is not possible
- height adjustable adult-sized changing bench
- wide tear-off paper roll to cover the bench
- large waste bin for disposable pads
- non-slip floor
Find Changing Places toilets near you
"More of these toilets would greatly improve the lives of many people who need them."
"Everyone should have the right to be part of the community and use public spaces. However, people with severe disabilities are denied this right if there aren’t fully accessible toilets available."
Changing Places- RADAR Key Scheme
It is up to each venue how they manage access to their Changing Places area. Some venues choose to keep the Changing Places area unlocked. Other venues may keep it locked and ask visitors to obtain a key from reception to use the facility.
A number of venues use a key scheme such as RADAR – where people who have joined the scheme have independent access to the Changing Places area via a key.
You can find out more about the RADAR key scheme on Sheffield City Council's Website.
