Tesco’s commitment to Changing Places

 

Tesco have installed over 30 new Changing Places toilets in stores across the UK over the last year to help meet the needs of over ¼ million people who rely on these vital toilets.

 

 

The rollout of new facilities comes after Tesco invited Changing Places campaigner Kerry Thompson to its Milton Keynes Kingston Extra store to speak to colleagues and explain why these facilities are so important.

Kerry said:

“The biggest challenge I face when going anywhere is when it comes to using disabled toilets. I find some are simply too small to fit me, my wheelchair and hubby- it can sometimes feel very claustrophobic.

Having to plan where to go for a meal or do my shopping based on whether the disabled toilets are suitable makes things difficult. I have to limit what I drink just in case the disabled toilet isn't big enough or not got the right equipment to help me. Other times I find myself limiting my time out because you just can't risk the embarrassment of having an accident. I shouldn't have to worry about the most basic thing we all need to do.

It was great to get the opportunity to speak to Tesco and tell them why these facilities are so important. I think being in the same room and telling them face to face really helped and I’m so pleased they’re installing more toilets, I know it will make a trip to the supermarket a little bit easier for people like me.”

Below is the eagerly awaited list of Tesco stores which now have a registered Changing Places toilet (correct as of April 26th 2019):

1. Stourbridge Extra

2. Kingston Extra

3. Slough Extra

4. Shepton Mallet Superstore

5. Aylesbury Tring Rd Superstore

6. Faversham Superstore

7. Fareham Superstore

8. Ryde Extra

9. Bishop Auckland Extra

10. Clevedon Superstore

11. Calne Superstore

12. Annan Superstore

13. Hexham Extra

14. Lunsford Park Extra

15. Banbury Extra

16. Lockerbie Superstore

17. Holyhead Extra

18. Sudbury Superstore

19. Pembroke Dock Superstore

20. Maesteg Superstore

21. Amersham Superstore

22. Tiverton Blundells Superstore

23. Hattersley Extra

24. Oxford Superstore

25. Stoke-on-Trent Kidsgrove Superstore

26. Callington Superstore

27. Bideford Superstore

28. Ystradgynlais Superstore

29. Ammanford Superstore

30. Cambridge Bar Hill Extra

31. Diss Superstore

32. Hengoed Ystrad Mynach Superstore

33. Llandrindod Wells Superstore

34. Thornbury Superstore

35. Ivybridge Lee Mill Extra

36. Carrickfergus Castle Extra

37. New Milton Superstore

38. Workington Superstore

39. Redruth Extra

40. Tidworth Superstore

 

Speaking about the project, Alessandra Bellini, Tesco Chief Customer Officer, said:

“We were keen to meet with Kerry and when we heard her story we wanted to help. It’s clear how import Changing Places toilets are to our customers who need them so we’re pleased to have installed these 35 new facilities. We treat each store on a case by case basis and wherever possible we will try and accommodate them and help customers such as Kerry.”

 

Having access to Changing Places toilets gives disabled people greater independence and we are delighted that Tesco has installed more than 35 new Changing Places facilities in the UK this year. We are hopeful that having the support of such a high-profile retailer will encourage other large retailers and venues to follow suit.

Please do take photos when you visit any of these stores and share them online with us @cp_consortium on Twitter.