Changing Places campaign should be taken up locally, says Armstrong

Strangford MLA Mrs Armstrong was speaking as the Changing Places charity marked the 10th anniversary of its campaign which has seen almost 860 such toilets installed throughout the UK, although relatively few locally.

She said many standard accessible toilets here are not fit for purpose.

“Due to a lack of space and adult-sized changing tables, many older children and adults have to lie on the floor of a public toilet to be changed by the family or career. It is dangerous, unhygienic and undignified.

“I call on the Executive and local Councils to ensure there is at least one Changing Places toilet in every public building in Northern Ireland. In most cases this means a simple reconfiguration of existing accessible toilets or ensuring plans for all new public buildings will include the space.

“It’s time to provide people with disabilities dignity, and give families and carers the support they need to continue to provide safe care. This will ensure fully inclusive Changing Places toilets become the norm rather than the exception.”