Jay's Story

I came across Changing Places toilets, the Changing Places Consortium and PAMIS the charity a few years back when a friend of mine told me about them. Since then, I've been campaigning tirelessly to get them more facilities available all around the country, locally and nationally.

Changing Places toilets are so poignant to me, because all my life I've been surrounded by those with additional needs and disabilities of varying levels of need and support. Changing Places toilets support their individual needs greatly. I've seen with my own eyes the difference they make.  I also think about parents that have a disability, Changing Places allow them space to access the facilities with enough space for their chairs and/or a pram to change their baby in peace knowing that all needs are catered for. In addition, my own needs have changed over recent years and now I have found myself using the Changing Places facilities.

 

Although I can self-transfer, I find Changing Places toilets provide me with the sufficient space to move around in my chair as well as the knowledge, access and peace of mind when going out. Changing Places toilets really make the difference between a fun-filled day out, and one of difficulty. Without them, when leaving the house there is a psychological impact, with stress for the individual, their families, parents and carers alike. This brings to the forefront the need to keep campaigning and spreading the word of the importance of the Changing Places toilet campaign.