Celebrating our role in the Changing Places Toilet campaign

19 March 2025

Muscular Dystrophy UK is extremely proud to have been co-chair of the Changing Places Consortium, alongside the charity PAMIS (Promoting A More Inclusive Society), since 2017.

Many people don’t give going out for the day a second thought. However, some disabled people are unable to visit attractions or take part in activities many take for granted because standard accessible toilets do not meet their needs – or the needs of their carers and families. Changing Places Toilets are different from standard accessible toilets as they provide an adult-sized changing bench, hoist, more space and a peninsular toilet.

There are now around 2,600 Changing Places Toilets across the UK, an amazing achievement which is making a real difference to the lives of more than 250,000 people with a range of disabilities who require access to these facilities.

Initially the focus of the Consortium was to campaign for the need for Changing Places Toilets and to make them a mainstream consideration in the planning and delivery of toilet provision more broadly. Changing Places Toilets is now well established in building regulations and legislation, and the Government has funded programmes to establish the reach across the motorway network, train stations and local authorities.

The Government funded programmes have been completed as planned and as the Consortium marks its 20^th anniversary in 2025, a change of emphasis is required as well as how Changing Places Toilets are coordinated and overseen.

We recognise that there are other organisations and partners with the relevant remit, experience and skills that are better placed than us to guide Changing Places Toilets through the next stage of its development. Therefore, from 1 April 2025 we will finish our role as co-chair but remain a committed member of the consortium.

As the founding member and co-chair of the consortium, PAMIS will continue as sole chair. They will continue to work with a range of partners to carry on the wider activity required to sustain and grow the provision and administration of Changing Places Toilets.

PAMIS will lead on the support to the Scottish Government to progress their £10 million investment in Changing Places Toilets, set to be released soon. The Consortium will also work with Northern Ireland and Wales as priority areas and develop a Quality Charter for Changing Places installations, improving the consistency and quality of Changing Places facilities nationwide.

We’re so proud of the role we have played in this enormously successful and impactful campaign over the last eight years. It has been a real highlight in the history of the charity, and we feel that this natural next step is happening at the right time and with the best interests of Changing Places Toilets and people who need them at its heart. We look forward to continuing to play an important role in the Consortium, supporting PAMIS to ensure that  Changing Places Toilets are installed in all big public spaces.