Funding of £10 million to create more specially equipped
toilets
Around 150 additional community toilet facilities for people with
complex disabilities and health conditions will be created across
the country thanks to £10 million Scottish Government funding
over the next two years.
There are currently around 270 of the specially equipped
facilities, known as Changing Places Toilets, in Scotland. This
is an increase of 30% since 2019 when new legislation required
these spaces to be included in large new buildings with public
access.
Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Minister said:
“Access to toilet facilities is a fundamental human right.
This £10 million investment in Changing Places Toilets will
make a huge difference to thousands of disabled people and their
families and carers as it will enable them to participate fully
in society and access community resources – things which most of
us take for granted.
“The Fund will be open to all communities in Scotland and will
prioritise areas which do not currently have adequate provision.
“Support from local bodies has been, and will continue to be,
central to driving this work forward, and we look forward to
receiving applications from all over Scotland when the Fund opens
in the summer.
Jill Clark, a Glasgow-based Changing Places Toilets user said:
“It is really important to have changing places toilets across
Scotland because it lets people like myself lead a normal life
without worrying about getting access to a toilet
everywhere we go!”
PAMIS (Promoting a more inclusive society) CEO Jenny Miller said:
“PAMIS is delighted that this fund is progressing. It is vital
that we ensure that those who need this life changing resource
and those who are keen to develop inclusive venues and services
are involved in shaping the fund. Your insights are key, and we
know that for the community PAMIS supports, those with a profound
learning and multiple disabilities, the fund will make a huge
difference to their inclusion within communities across
Scotland.”
Background
Changing Places Toilets (CPT) offer a vital facility for disabled
people and their families and carers whose needs cannot be met
through standard accessible toilet provision. This includes
people with profound or multiple disabilities, people with
muscular dystrophy, older people, veterans, people who require
the use of a larger wheelchair and people who require a calm and
quiet environment.
CPTs have key features which distinguish them from standard
accessible toilets. They:
- offer adequate space (at least 12m2) for a
disabled person when they are not in their wheelchair, as well as
space for their wheelchair to turn, and one or two carers.
- have an adult-sized, height-adjustable changing bench to
allow people to lie down to have their personal care needs met.
- have a ceiling hoist to lift people out of their wheelchair
safely
- have a centrally placed peninsular toilet which provides
access for people who require support on both sides.
To express views on or note interest in funding for the Changing
Places Toilets Fund go to Changing Places Toilets
Scotland Fund Survey
The Scottish Government's CPT Planning Guide
provides information and guidance to those considering installing
a CPT in both existing and new buildings. This guide was
produced in collaboration with PAMIS (Promoting a more
inclusive society) who are co-chairs and co-founders of
the Changing
Places Consortium and offer expert advice on CPTs
in Scotland.
