Changing Places Awareness Day 19th July

Changing Places Awareness Day – Why These Facilities Change Lives

19th July marks Changing Places Awareness Day, a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness of the life-changing importance of Changing Places toilets and the difference they make to hundreds of thousands of people across the UK.

For many of us, using a public toilet is something we rarely think twice about. However, for more than 270,000 people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injuries and other complex disabilities, a standard accessible toilet simply does not provide the facilities they need.

What is a Changing Places toilet?

A Changing Places toilet is a specialist facility designed for people who require additional space and equipment to use the toilet safely, comfortably and with dignity. These facilities typically include:

• A height-adjustable changing bench

• A ceiling-mounted hoist

• Sufficient space for the user and up to two carers

• A centrally positioned toilet

• Accessible wash facilities

These features are not luxury additions; they are essential requirements that enable many disabled people to leave their homes and participate in everyday life.

Why are they so important?

Without access to a suitable Changing Places toilet, many individuals and their families are unable to:

• Enjoy a day out

• Visit tourist attractions

• Attend sporting events

• Go shopping

• Travel independently

• Take part in social and community activities

The availability of appropriate toilet facilities can determine whether someone can leave home for a few hours or not at all. Changing Places toilets provide freedom, independence and dignity.

The Loo of the Year Awards and Changing Places

At the Loo of the Year Awards, we have proudly supported the Changing Places movement for many years. We believe that exceptional washroom provision is about far more than cleanliness and design; it is about inclusion, accessibility and equal access for everyone.

Through our annual Awards event, we have provided a platform for representatives from the Changing Places campaign to share their knowledge, experiences and passion with leaders from across the washroom, facilities management, hospitality, leisure, retail and public sectors.

By bringing these conversations into the heart of our industry, we hope to encourage more organisations to recognise the importance of providing truly inclusive facilities.

Raising awareness throughout the year

Our commitment does not stop at the Awards event. Through our social media channels and industry communications, we continue to highlight the vital role that Changing Places toilets play in creating a more inclusive society.

Every new Changing Places toilet installed is another step towards ensuring that disabled people and their families can enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else.

Looking ahead

On this Changing Places Awareness Day, we encourage businesses, local authorities, leisure operators, tourist attractions and all organisations that provide public facilities to consider how they can improve accessibility for those who need it most.

Together, we can help create a world where no one is excluded because appropriate toilet facilities are not available.

To learn more about the Changing Places campaign, visit www.changing-places.org .

About the Loo of the Year Awards

The Loo of the Year Awards is the UK’s leading washroom grading and awards programme, recognising and promoting excellence in away-from-home washroom provision across all sectors.

Find out more at www.loo.co.uk .