A NEW accessible toilet has opened in Worcester city centre to help support those with more severe disabilities.
The new Changing Places toilet has opened in the Cornmarket and is funded through a government grant and Worcester City Council.
The Changing Places facility is a large accessible toilet with equipment such as ceiling track hoists, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers.
The facility is the third Changing Places toilet in Worcester.
The other two are available in the Hive and on the University of Worcester’s St John’s campus.
Across the UK, more than 250,000 people with disabilities cannot use standard accessible toilets.
The Cornmarket car park was chosen as a place to install a toilet due to its city centre location and adjacent disabled parking spaces.
The Worcestershire Association of Carers is a registered charity providing information, advice and support to carers as well as offering practical support and carer wellbeing.
Its Carer Voice team lead, Kate Webb, said: “We are pleased to support the launch of the new Changing Places.
“It is essential for families and carers accessing the community to have the appropriate facilities available to enable them to take care of their loved ones who cannot access a standard accessible toilet in a safe, clean, and accessible environment.
“Changing Places allows families to enjoy time together, because without such specialist facilities, taking trips and spending time together is limited.
“As it becomes increasingly difficult for carers to get a break, this can be a vital lifeline as it is ever more important families and carers are enabled to remain part of their community.”
