Peak District National Park provides Changing Places unit to spread awareness about accessible facilities

To mark World Changing Places Day on 19th July, charity Accessible Derbyshire partnered with Mobiloo and National Park Authority staff to provide a Changing Places facility for its visitors.

With an aim of spreading awareness about accessible facilities, the equipment was carried to the summit of Mam Tor in the National Park for the day, which included a full-size toilet, height-adjustable changing bench, hoist, sink and privacy screen.

Accessible Derbyshire’s Jane Carver commented: “Taking a trip out without a Changing Place being available can seem like climbing a mountain, so we climbed a mountain with a Changing Places kit to highlight the need for these vital facilities.

“Without Changing Places, disabled people who want to go out face the prospect of being changed on a public toilet floor, or they have to stay at home.

“We are campaigning to encourage more businesses and organisations to provide them.”

According to the Changing Places Consortium, over 250,000 people in the UK need Changing Places toilets, but there are only just over 1,000 facilities in the UK.

Sarah Fowler, Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “We’re highlighting the importance of access for all by putting the focus of our National Parks Week celebrations on accessibility with a wide range of opportunities for people who need wheelchairs, buggies and bikes to get around.

“We want everyone to be able to visit and enjoy the Peak District National Park.”

Taking place from 23rd-29th July, National Parks Week events include wheelchair-friendly walks, accessible wheelyboats and mobility-friendly tours.