February and March 2019 Update

 

It has been an extremely busy few months for the Changing Places campaign which is why this month we have a double update for February and March! Read on to find out what has been going on, including all the latest registrations…

Government consultation roundtable

In February a few key people were invited to attend a roundtable event by representatives at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) Minister Rishi Sunak was at the meeting and spoke about his commitment to increasing the number of Changing Places toilets via the Government consultation. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Consortium, Luke Turner from the MHCLG as well as some of our Campaigners. The discussions that took place will hopefully help shape upcoming Government consultation on Changing Places standards.

Here’s a quote from parent attending 

“It was a real honour to be invited to the roundtable meeting held by Rishi Sunak MP and Luke Turner. As a parent carer of a seven-year-old who needs Changing Places toilets, I’m incredibly passionate about the campaign and seeing the UK as a whole becoming more inclusive for disabled people, their families and carers. There is lots of positive changes happening, particularly in England and Scotland - thanks to the hard work of campaigners and the consortium. Well done to everyone involved “

 

Motorway service project update

We have continued to work closely with representatives at the Department for Transport to agree details for the funding project for Changing Places toilets at motorway service stations. At the end of February we went to Birmingham to meet with a number of Motorway Service Area Operators to discuss the project plans and gauge their level of interest. They were fully supportive of the project and are looking to work together to identify strategic venues across the road network to ensure maximum coverage across England.

 

NHS hospitals project funding update

Funding for NHS hospitals to install Changing Places toilets is due to become available soon via the Department for Health and Social Care. If you have questions about this then you can email Changing.Places@dhsc.gov.uk

 

Karen’s day out to Nottingham with Martin Jackaman

Karen went to visit Martin in Nottingham, one of the Consortium Founding members and learnt more about the early days of the campaign. Karen was also treated to a guided tour of many of the Changing Places toilets across the City which Martin was fundamental in getting installed. It was a great day out, but we got a few looks walking into them together and locking the door behind us!

 

New registrations

Below are 23 of the newly registered Changing Places toilets for February and March 2019. We have also registered almost all the new Tesco stores but will be announcing these venues all at once later this month…

1.       Christies Garden Centre, The Nurseries, Fochabers

2.       Northumbria University, Sandyford Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne              

3.       Oxford University Sports Complex, IIffley Road, Oxford

4.       All England Lawn Tennis Club, Church Road, Wimbledon

5.       Moss side leisure Centre, Hulme High Street, Manchester           

6.       Luton Airport, Luton

7.       Gelding Country Park, Spring Lane, Gelding

8.       Workingham Leisure Centre, Griffin Street, Workington

9.       Clydebank Community Sports Hub, Dean Street, Clydebank

10.   Arena Birmingham, King Edward Road, Birmingham

11.   Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Derriford

12.   New Earswick Folk, Hallawthorne Terrace, York

13.   Leicester Royal infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester

14.   Moto services Medway, M2 westbound

15.   Moto Leigh Delamare services, M4 eastbound and westbound

16.   Emerald Headingley Stadium, St Michaels Lane, Leeds

17.   Yatton House Society, Community Centre, Guisborough Road, Middlesborough

18.   Twycross Zoo, Burton Road,  WARWICKSHIRE

19.   Moffat Town Hall, High Street, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

20.   Newcastle under lyme libray, Barracks Road NEWCASTLE UNDER LYME

21.   Waltham Abbey leisure centre, EPPING FOREST, ESSEX

22.   Yorkshire event Centre, Great Yorkshire Showground,

23.   Wigan Bus station, Hall gate, Wigan

Thank you as always to all our campaigners for their ongoing support!