Changing Places changes lives in Bromsgrove

Bromsgrove’s Changing Places toilet facility has been described as giving a “spark of energy” by users and staff who say it has changed lives in its first year in service.

Users and staff of Amber Support Services, a specialised day service for adults and young people with complex and multiple impairments, have highlighted Bromsgrove District Council’s high dependency facility as a major step forward in increasing freedom for users.

Kelli Robinson, Amber Support Services Team Leader, said of the facility in Bromsgrove town centre’s bus station: “The biggest change is the increased freedom for our clients, as they are no longer tied down to timescales to return back to their homes or the Day Service. Some are so positive that they are now looking for work in the community.

“Changing Places has given our clients another lease of life and a new spark of energy, as they are able to explore the local area by bus with the reassurance that the facilities can be quickly accessed upon their return.”

Designed with users’ needs in mind, the facility includes technology and design features such as a changing couch, ceiling hoist, extra space for wheelchair turns and waste disposal facilities.

Leigh England, who receives support, commented that “the design of the toilets allows me to easily manoeuvre my wheelchair, which is often a stressful experience when I use public toilet facilities.”

Cllr Margaret Sherrey, who is Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio holder for Older People, the Young and Vulnerable People, said: “I am delighted to see that since opening the Changing Places facility, one of only five of its kind in the whole West Midlands, has opened up possibilities and is improving the lives of our residents.”

Planning for Bromsgrove’s Changing Places facility came as a result of National Learning Disability Week and a Mencap campaign to enable more access to public life and participation by adults and children with learning disabilities and other types of physical and mental impairments.

National Learning Disability Week 2010 is June 21-27. The focus this year is on health issues and improving access to health services.

For further details of the Changing Places facility please go to http://www.changing-places.org/ or contact the Council’s Customer Service Centre on 01527 881288.