Changing Places toilets have more space than standard accessible toilets, and include essential equipment such as a ceiling hoist, peninsular toilet, and adult-sized changing bench, making them accessible to a wider range of people.
As co-chair of the Changing Places Consortium with PAMIS, we promote the installation of new CPTs in public spaces and a wide range of venues and support those campaigning for more CPTs. We also register CPTs that meet required standards and maintain the Changing Places website and map. Other consortium members include the Centre of Accessible Environments (CAE) and Martin Jackaman.
We’re incredibly proud to see how far the campaign has come. Registrations of Changing Places toilets began back in 2008, with just 13 CPTs registered in that first year. The Changing Places message has spread far and wide, bringing increasingly more venues into the inclusive fold.
Last year 162 new CPTs were registered across the UK, and this year looks to be on-track to beat that again.
There’s no denying that the Leeds area demonstrates a fantastic commitment to accessibility and inclusion with a high number of registered CPTs. Bairbre McKendrick, Access Officer for Leeds City Council said:
I would like to congratulate Vince and Helen (all the team) at Leeds United for the new facilities they have recently delivered which will make match days at Elland Road more inclusive. The new Changing Places toilet will mean more disabled people can now join their friends and families and enjoy live football as part of the Leeds United Community.
To have reached the 2,000th registered CPT is an amazing achievement, and a testament to the determination and dedication of the campaigners, as well as the commitment to inclusion from the venues who appear on the Changing Places toilets map.
A huge congratulations to Leeds United Football Club – your Changing Places toilet will truly change lives.
While it’s wonderful to have reached this milestone, the work on the Changing Places toilet campaign is far from over. Until Changing Places toilets are installed in all public spaces, the consortium will continue to work closely with campaigners, venues, suppliers, and funders as we work towards a fully inclusive society.