Leisure centres open new Changing Places

NEW toilet facilities for people with profound disabilities have been installed at two Leicester City Council leisure centres.

Work is now complete on the new Changing Places facilities at Leicester Leys Leisure Centre and Aylestone Leisure Centre.

This brings the total number of Changing Places toilets in the city to 15, with a further seven available at leisure and community centres in the county.

The Changing Places consortium has commended Leicester City Council for its commitment to providing Changing Places facilities. Consortium co-chair Rossanna Trudgian said: “It is fantastic to see more and more Changing Places toilets being installed in Leicester and across the UK. Leicester can be proud of the investment that the city council has made in providing these facilities for those who need them.”

Changing Places toilets are wheelchair accessible and offer a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, a ceiling track hoist, and plenty of space for carers.

 

Over the last three years, the city council has worked closely with disabled people and local groups to install facilities in key locations across the city and as part of major new developments, including the Haymarket Bus Station and the new Leicester Riders’ Arena.

Deputy city mayor Cllr Rory Palmer, who is responsible for adult social care, said: “Changing Places toilets can help to make a huge difference to the quality of life for thousands of disabled people. We have come a long way in just three years, with 22 Changing Places toilets now available in Leicester and the surrounding area, but we know there is still more that needs to be done. Each Changing Places toilet we complete is another step towards ensuring that the city’s attractions are welcoming and accessible to all visitors.” 

Since 2012, the city council has invested around £950,000 in improving access to community facilities for disabled people.

Along with installing Changing Places facilities at its own buildings, the council has supported voluntary and community organisations to make adaptations or purchase specialist equipment.

It is estimated that there are around 250,000 people in the UK who cannot use standard accessible toilets. This includes people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.

For more information visit www.leicester.gov.uk/changingplaces