Mytime Active, Bromley’s leisure provider, has begun work on two Changing Places Toilets in the borough following Government funding being secured by the council.
Changing Places are fully accessible toilets, primarily designed for people with physical disabilities, which can also benefit people with learning disabilities who need support with their personal care. The new facilities are scheduled to open in March at The Pavilion Leisure Centre and Biggin Hill Pool and Library, which are operated by Mytime Active, a local social enterprise and independent charity.
Changing Places give disabled people and their carers the space and equipment they need to spend time in the local community and enjoy the day-to-day activities many take for granted. In a bid to help bring major, life-enhancing freedoms to more than 250,000 people who need Changing Places Toilets, the government has made their installation compulsory in certain new, publicly accessible buildings. Bromley Council secured funding from a Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities grant - launched to help local authorities substantially increase the number of Changing Places Toilets nationwide.
The facilities at The Pavilion Leisure Centre and Biggin Hill Pool and Library will bring the number of registered Changing Places in the borough to eight. Before the latest build programme there were only two. Bromley Council is working in partnership with Need2Change, a community group of parent carers, dedicated to raising awareness and improving facilities for children and adults with complex disabilities and their families.
Jason Stanton, CEO at Mytime Active, says: “Mytime Active is thrilled to be delivering two new Changing Places Toilet facilities for the borough. We’re keen to do all we can to minimise the daily challenges that people living with disabilities and their carers experience. These enhanced facilities will support them to maximise their leisure time together. Leisure facilities and physical activity must be accessible, inclusive and safe, and must not discriminate. We are proud of our delivery of the hugely popular MyClub programme for adults with special educational needs and disabilities at The Pavilion. Having a fully accessible Changing Places Toilet on site will hopefully encourage more people to come and enjoy this extremely successful programme.”
Mytime Active’s MyClub offers weekly structured leisure and social activities to adults and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, with a focus on increasing physical activity and an awareness of a healthy lifestyle. Activities encourage communication, integration, interaction and fun, and include dance, bowling, golf and multi-sports. Every member is recognised and respected as an individual and is encouraged and motivated to participate.
Katrina O’Leary from Need2Change, adds: “We’re delighted that more Changing Places are being built in Bromley. These facilities are really valued by those who cannot use a standard accessible toilet; they make such a difference to daily life - making outings possible, easier and much less stressful. Changing Places not only benefit the disabled person but their families and friends. It has been great working with all those involved to help introduce more of these facilities. Thank you, Bromley.”
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, says: “Changing Places facilities play a valuable role in ensuring those with complex needs and their families can enjoy stress-free days out across our borough. I am delighted by the announcements that work has begun on two new Changing Places toilets and would like to thank Mytime Active for their support in helping enhance provision in Bromley.”
The Changing Places toilets must be at least 12 square metres and include equipment such as hoists, privacy screens, adult-sized changing benches, peninsula toilets and space for carers. Designs for the two new toilets have been approved by the latest Changing Places Consortium, to ensure both sites meet the Changing Places specification and criteria.
The Mayor of Bromley recently opened two new Changing Places toilets at Crystal Palace Park and the Green Roof Café in High Elms Country Park, Farnborough.
More information about Changing Places.
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Notes to editors
For information on Mytime Active please contact:
Wendy Golledge or Sarah Lloyd at Big Fish public Relations
wendy@bigfishpublicrelations.co.uk / sarah@bigfishpublicrelations.co.uk
Telephone: 07921 319517 / 07801 234369
About Mytime Active
Mytime Active is a social enterprise and independent charity; its mission is to improve wellbeing through its range of more than 100 accessible services. These include golf, swimming, gyms, bowling, soft play, social events and health programmes at 23 locations across Bromley, the Midlands and the South.
Mytime Active is a specialist health provider that focuses on wellbeing from cradle to grave. Unlike typical gyms or health clubs, it offers specialised and inclusive programmes for various groups, including those with health conditions, disabilities, new parents, older individuals, and young people, to ensure that everyone gets more out of life.
MyTime Active reinvests all its profits back where it matters most, into its facilities, services and programmes, as well as into community activities, for the long-term wellbeing of the local community.
For more information about MyClub visit the Mytime Active website or email myclub@mytimeactive.co.uk.