News-New Changing Places toilets help increase accessibility in County Durham

Next week, our Cabinet will hear how we applied for two rounds of funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to increase provision in the county.

The applications were successful allowing for the creation of new Changing Places toilets at Locomotion in Shildon, Raby Castle near Staindrop, Teesdale Leisure Centre in Barnard Castle, Hardwick Park near Sedgefield and Dunes Café in Crimdon.

Each facility provides a clean and safe space for people with multiple and complex disabilities who are accompanied by one or two carers. In addition to accessible toilets, they also include equipment such as hoists, privacy screens and adult changing benches.

The new facilities build upon the existing network of Changing Places toilets in the county. This includes facilities at Durham County Council's latest cultural venue, The Story, which opened in June, and the new Durham Bus Station, which opened in January. The council has also introduced Changing Places toilets at many of its leisure centres, including Newton Aycliffe, Consett, Spennymoor, Chester-le-Street, the Louisa Centre in Stanley and Freeman's Quay in Durham City.

Feel connected 

Cllr Alan Shield, our Cabinet member for equality and diversity, said: "County Durham is home to some fantastic attractions and leisure facilities and it's important that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy them. However, if you are living with a disability or caring for someone who is, the need for appropriate facilities can make a day out a daunting prospect.

"Introducing more Changing Places toilets can help to relieve these fears by providing the facilities people need to be able to visit places, take part in activities and feel connected to the world around them.

"From exploring picturesque parks and heritage attractions to trips to the seaside - Changing Places toilet open up the county to people with disabilities and their carers.

"We will continue to work with our partners in the public, private and voluntary and charity sectors to push for further positive change."

Opening up opportunities 

Len Shield, a member of the Durham Disability Partnership, said: 'It's fantastic to see the increase in Changing Places toilets across County Durham. These facilities are incredibly important as they reduce the need for changing in unsuitable locations such as toilet floors.

"Increasing provision in a variety of locations, including museums, parks and cafés also opens up opportunities for days out and activities for many disabled people and their carers to enjoy."

Cabinet will hear about the increase in Changing Places toilets when it meets on Wednesday 16 October, as part of a report on the Public Sector Equality Duty Annual Review 2023 -2024 and Equality Policy.

The report also provides an update on our commitment to being an inclusive and supportive employer, including the achievements of the local authority's staff networks. The networks act as peer support groups for staff with protected characteristics and their allies and include LGBT+ and allies; Carers; Menopause; Race, equality and diversity; and Armed Forces. There are currently more than 500 members across the networks.