Cornwall is getting six more Changing Places toilets to help disabled people

Cornwall is getting six Changing Place toilets to help disabled people and their carers. Larger, more accessible toilets are for those who need extra equipment and space not found in standard accessible toilets

The new toilets have already opened in Falmouth, Truro, Seaton and St Ives. Another facility in Wadebridge is due to open later this month.

Cornwall Council received government funding in 2022 to deliver the new toilets and has been working on the project with town and parish councils. Changing Places Activities say they are vital facilities for those with profound and multiple learning disabilities or physical disabilities such as spinal injuries and muscular dystrophy.

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Katherine Kowalski, who lives in Deviock, said the toilets made field trips with her son possible. She said: “Many people don’t realize that standard ‘accessible’ toilets are actually inaccessible to hundreds of thousands of disabled people, including my 12-year-old son.

“Without a Changing Places toilet, this means changing on toilet floors or in the back of a car. This is not only uncomfortable and unhygienic, but puts us all at risk of injury as there is no hoist for lifting. This makes the days incredibly difficult and we often end up avoiding going out altogether.

“Spending time in nature is essential for well-being, but there are still so few places where it is possible to do that if you or a family member needs a Changing Places facility. Seaton already offers so much with its flat Country Park trails, convenient parking and ramp access to the beach – a Changing Places toilet now makes it really accessible and I’d like to thank Deviock Parish Council for making this happen.”

Councilor Carol Mould, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “It is fantastic to see these high quality facilities now open and being used by residents. It means visiting Cornwall’s beautiful beaches, countryside and high streets is much more accessible for disabled people and their carers.

“I would like to thank all the people involved, town and parish councillors, ward members, contractors and council officers who have all helped make these plans happen, it really has made such a difference to the communities of Cornwall.”

The six new facilities are in:

• Falmouth (managed by Falmouth Borough Council)
• Truro, one near the bus station and the other in Boscawen Park (run by Truro City Council)
• Seaton (managed by Deviock Parish Council)
• St Ives (administered by St Ives Town Council)
• Wadebridge (managed by Wadebridge Town Council)