Investment in New Changing Places
Local people living with a disability in North East Lincolnshire can now benefit from better accessibility to one the largest assisted exercise hubs in the UK thanks to a funding grant.
Accessible services for all
Funding from the UK Government has been used by Lincs Inspire in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council to build a new Changing Places facility at Grimsby Health & Wellbeing Centre (the original building at Grimsby Leisure Centre).
Changing Places are designed for people who are unable use a standard accessible toilet, offering additional space and equipment for carers to assist.
The new facility is situated on the ground floor and includes a height-adjustable changing bench and washbasin, ceiling track hoist system, peninsular toilet and privacy screen to name a few.
Pictured (from left to right) – Jaki Balmer, Specialist Physiotherapist, Care Plus Group, with Ricky Smith, Sports Coach, Lincs Inspire and Jake who attends weekly disability multi-sports at Grimsby Health & Wellbeing Centre.
Ben Frary, Health Improvement Manager, Lincs Inspire said:
This is fantastic news for the community. Our leisure and wellbeing services are invaluable to so many, and it’s essential they are accessible. People with learning disabilities and long-term health conditions can now have peace of mind that we offer suitable changing facilities for them before or after their exercise.
“The investment reflects our commitment to accessibility and aligns with the wider campaign from Muscular Dystrophy UK, which has seen Changing Places installed in shopping centres, airports, train stations and town centres throughout the UK.”
About Changing Places
Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) is a co-chair of the Changing Places Consortium, which works to provide Changing Places toilets in public spaces and other locations. Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets that provide extra space and equipment for people with disabilities who can’t use standard accessible toilets. They should be provided in addition to single or gender-neutral toilets, standard accessible toilets and baby change facilities.
Over 250,000 people in the UK need Changing Places Toilets to enable them to get out and about. The total number of active Changing Places Toilets registered across the UK so far is 2,542.
For further information about Changing Places visit www.changing-places.org.
