Changing Places toilets funding to improve Kirklees accessibility and inclusivity
Kirklees Council has been allocated £89,250 funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), which will be used to support the delivery of three new Changing Places toilet facilities to better cater for the needs of residents with disabilities.
Councillor Carole Pattison, Cabinet Member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities said: “Changing Places Toilets are a lifeline for people who often have to choose between going out and staying at home because of their needs.
“These new facilities will help to create inclusive communities by making our town centre places and spaces accessible for all.
“We are also reviewing existing changing places facilities with a view to upgrading them wherever possible so people can engage in leisure activities.”
What is a Changing Places toilet?
A Changing Places toilet caters for the needs of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities or with physical disabilities.
Changing Places toilets are typically 12 meters square in size, featuring a toilet that allows space for wheelchair users and their carers, a height-adjustable washbasin, handrails, privacy curtains, a hoist for wheelchair users, and a multi-purpose changing bench. These assistive technologies allow users to maintain their dignity and independence when out and about in public areas.
Where will the new Kirklees facilities be?
The funding from DLUHC will be used to build new facilities in Dewsbury Market, Mirfield Library and Slaithwaite Civic Hall in partnership with Slaithwaite Civic Hall & Experience Community.
Slaithwaite Civic Hall & Experience Community is a community interest company that organises walks and outdoor activities for disabled people and the wider community in Kirklees and beyond into the wider Yorkshire area.
Creating inclusive communities
Plans to build the new Changing Places Toilets are part of Kirklees wider review of existing facilities.
This work also aims to tackle inequalities, create more inclusive spaces and communities whilst enabling adults with disabilities to be more independent in their everyday life.
Funding to deliver the new facilities must be spent by March 2024.
Recently, Kirklees Council approved £1.3 million funding to buy digital carephone devices for 3,500 residents ahead of the analogue switch-off in 2025.