WORCESTER’s landmark library, The Hive, has been honoured for its care towards disabled users with a nomination in the Sudocrem Changing Room Awards for their Changing Places toilet.
Five years after launching the first baby changing room awards and sponsoring the National Childbirth Trust Baby Change App, the new category in the awards recognises the importance of Changing Places toilets for disabled children.
The Hive provides disabled toilet facilities on each floor close to the lifts and will find out if they have picked up the award after nominations close on March 26.
One parent who nominated the venue said: “ As well as all the usual facilities and lots of space for me/carers to support my adult brother, this facility has an additional ‘ante room’ which means his paid carers can also use the loo, knowing he is safe and their dignity is protected.
“Often carers can’t use the loo while they’re out too. Their Changing Places Toilet is just next to their accessible cafe too,” she added.
In addition to the toilets on each floor, those who need special support can use a personal care suite located on level one which includes shower and lifting facilities.
There are 800,000 disabled children in the UK but only 1,058 Changing Places toilets to meet their needs.
This means that parents like Laura Rutherford, whose son Brody, 5, suffers from GDD, epilepsy, hypermobility and hypotonia, is forced to change her son on a toilet floor.
“Life beyond a baby changing table when your child is doubly incontinent means constant exclusions when you go out as a family.
“It’s heart breaking for us as parents and this is an issue that will sadly become harder and harder as he grows up. He is different not less. Time for change.”
Jenny Miller, CEO of the charity PAMIS which calls for a more inclusive society, said: “Children and young people who require these facilities are often prevented from taking part in their communities by the simple things that we take for granted.
“In 2007 we co-founded the Changing Places Consortium and campaign to develop accessible facilities for the most disabled people in the UK.
“The Sudocrem award scheme is a great idea and we’re confident it’s going to make a big difference!
