The accessible public loo that forms part of the new toilet block in Victoria Park has been officially verified by the Changing Places Consortium. The loo is now part of the UK’s growing network of specially designed toilets, offering greater dignity and freedom for people with mobility or health needs that can affect their ability to get out and about. To qualify as a Changing Places facility, the toilet must have certain features, including an elevated changing bench, hoist, rails and enough space for an adult, their mobility equipment and a carer to comfortably access the facilities.
Councillor Mark Dorrington said: “Frome now has two Changing Places toilets, located in the new block in Victoria Park and in the town centre. If you don’t need them yourself, it’s easy to overlook their importance, but facilities like these really can be life changing. Being able to access a public toilet that meets your needs extends potential time out of the house and offers greater freedom, as well as the comfort and dignity that we all have a right to expect. As of 1st April 2024, Frome Town Council are responsible for running and maintaining both blocks of public toilets in Frome and it’s fantastic that both blocks have this important feature.”
Resident Alison Douthwaite, a local Changing Places campaigner, whose daughter Ettie will use the new facility, said:
“This new facility in Victoria Park opens up new opportunities for anyone like my daughter who needs a Changing Places loo. Being able to spend longer enjoying Frome’s lovely park in the summer and being able to go to events in the park without worry about planning around toilet trips is very liberating. It opens up possibilities for more inclusive events and activities in the town.
“My daughter Ettie and I were delighted to have a sneak preview of the facility and it is really excellent. A huge well done to Frome Town Council for making this happen. Myself and other local Changing Places campaigners spoke to the council about the need for these toilets back when they helped to fund the town centre facility. The fact that they have gone a step further, remembered how important these toilets are and integrated a second one into the redevelopment of Victoria Park’s toilet block is fantastic.”
The new Changing Places toilet in Victoria Park is open seven days a week from 8am to 5pm and is accessible with a radar key. It joins more than 2,000 such facilities in the UK, including the existing Market Place facility, which is open 7am to 8pm, seven days a week. To find out more about the Changing Places Consortium and find information about the UK network of Changing Places toilets, visit https://www.changing-places.org.
Photo shows: Alison and her daughter Ettie with her carers and Tom and Sarah from PACE group (Personal Achievement and Creative Experience) at the new toilet block
