Ipswich will benefit from two additional Changing Places toilets thanks to a successful bid for £146,000 of Government funding by Ipswich Borough Council. These new toilets will be installed in Christchurch Park and in Orwell Country Park.
Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. They have equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers. Over 250,000 people in the country need these facilities to enable them to get out and about and enjoy the day-to-day activities many of us take for granted.
The Government announced the Changing Places initiative in July 2021. This encouraged councils to apply for their local areas to increase the number of Changing Places toilets in venues with the greatest need, saying the top three locations where these facilities should be made available were country parks, open spaces and tourist attractions.
Ipswich Borough Council will be contributing over £40,000 towards the project, ensuring these facilities are cleaned, maintained and available for those who need them. The Council will be consulting with groups for people with disabilities, users of the park and other stakeholders to ensure we deliver exactly what is needed.
James Fairclough, Ipswich Borough Council Director, says:
“Christchurch Park and Orwell Country Park are popular visitor destinations and these Changing Places toilets will be a welcome addition to the one we have already installed in Holywells Park. They will help to improve disabled people’s everyday lives, enabling them to have a longer day out and to enjoy everything these parks have to offer with dignity, confidence, and freedom.”
Photo of example Changing Places toilets.
Photo credit – Changing Places Consortium
