Changing Places Awareness Day, 19th July 2024

Every Changing Places awareness day, we enjoy looking back at some of the highlights of our campaigning and celebrating our brilliant customers who have committed to being as accessible as possible, by installing a Changing Places by Closomat. It is true that the campaign has seen some incredible success in recent years, with investment from central government, and huge pushes from the selfless army of campaigners who strive to make the world more inclusive for themselves and their loved ones. But the fight for equality for disabled people is far from won.

So this year, we thought we’d share some facts about Changing Places that you may not know and try to dispel some myths to help encourage more businesses and venues to provide these facilities. For those who require additional space, changing benches or hoists in order to safely access the toilet, Changing Places play a critical role in their ability to access society safely and with dignity, something nobody should have to ask for.

• There are still nowhere near enough Changing Places compared to the numbers of people that require them. After 19 years of the campaign, there are still less Changing Places in the whole of the UK than there are regular toilets in Wembley stadium alone. The more you think about that, the more unbelievable it sounds! More toilets that the average able-bodied person can use in one venue, than there are for severely disabled people in our entire country! Changing Places should be everywhere you’d expect a regular toilet and until that is the case, we can’t take our foot off the gas.
• There will fortunately, due to changes in building regulations, be an increase in Changing Places facilities in newly built public venues in the coming years as they are now mandatory in many public spaces. However, these rules do not apply to businesses and venues who do not currently provide the facilities unless they undertake major refurbishment. So the responsibility lies with the campaign and installers, to educate and encourage these businesses and venues to ensure change continues to happen and more facilities are retro-fitted, something Closomat is greatly experience in delivering.

• Changing Places toilets are for use by anyone that needs any of the elements of the facility. They are not only for those requiring a hoist – that is a common misconception. Whilst research at the beginning of the campaign found that there are around 250,000 people in the country that require Changing Places, in reality this figure is a lot larger as it doesn’t take into account some conditions that might require the use of the extra space and equipment or the needs of the carers that are supporting many of the primary users. For example, a carer of a vulnerable disabled person also needs a Changing Places facility to meet their toileting needs, where it would not be appropriate or possible to leave the disabled person unattended, even though they are not the one with an impairment.

• There are official British Standards that need to be met when installing a facility and they cover all items of equipment that are mandatory, including the smaller less prominent features such as a full-length mirror, privacy screen and signage. We often hear from users that these items are overlooked, presumably as the venue does not appreciate their importance compared to the hoist and changing bed. But each feature has an important role to play in ensuring inclusivity and ensuring the facility can be officially registered on the Changing Places map.
• Fear of costly repairs and maintenance is one of the top reasons venues choose not to install a Changing Places facility. And whilst we cannot predict vandalism or genuine accidents, the reality is, Changing Places users and their families and carers are highly unlikely to damage the equipment. They are experts in using each piece they need and are acutely aware how important the facilities are to their lives and others in similar circumstances. These facilities, as long as regularly maintained and secure, are less likely to suffer costly repairs than any other provision. Regular ‘check ups’ on your Changing Places, and a maintenance plan, are the best way to ensure a facility stays in tip-top condition and avoids unnecessary costs and being out of action for those who rely on them.
• Not having a Changing Places in a public space poses a safety risk to disabled customers/visitors. Often venues/companies are worried that somebody will be injured using the specialist equipment and what impact that would have on their business and reputation. But the risk of an accident when using a Changing Places (as long as it is well-maintained) is absolutely minimal. The risk of a serious accident when somebody is lifted dangerously to the floor to have their continence items changed however, is dramatically higher. Changing Places make toileting safer.

About us

Closomat has been providing design advice and assisting in the specification, installation and maintenance of Changing Places toilets since their inception. We’ve supported hundreds of successful projects up and down the UK, in a variety of different sectors – including retail, tourist attractions, transport hubs, local authority, entertainment, hospitality and healthcare to name a few.

Our knowledge and experience will ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish and is fully compliant with the latest building regulations and standards, so that your facility meets the needs of both business/venue and end user.

Drop us a line about your Changing Places install: [email protected] or configure your space here.