Slimbridge opens new Changing Places Toilet
We are excited to share that we have opened a new Changing Places Toilet.
This new essential facility has been built from grant funding provided by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in association with Muscular Dystrophy UK and with funding from WWT and with support of Stroud District Council.
The new Changing Places facility gives visitors to Slimbridge use of a larger accessible toilet for severely disabled people as well as an adjustable changing bench, hoist and washbasin. People with profound and multiple learning disabilities or with physical disabilities including spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment to allow them to use the toilets with dignity and hygienically.
We applied for government grant funding in 2021 and we were awarded it in 2022 with construction taking place in the autumn and winter 2022. We also won the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award at the South West Tourism Awards in 2022 and have made improvements to the centre including level pathways, an accessible bird hide with a lift and mobility scooters and wheelchair hire.
Gary Haseley- Nejrup, Slimbridge General Manager says;
We are delighted to have received funding for this essential Changing Places Toilet for our centre. We want everyone to feel welcome here and to make their visit as enjoyable as possible. We have committed to making our centre an accessible day out and we’re so pleased we can offer this facility to our visitors.
Cllr Chris Brine, Chair of Community Services and Licensing Committee at Stroud District Council said:
Improving and championing equality, diversity and inclusion is a key objective of our Council Plan, so I was really pleased we were able to support WWT Slimbridge to install the new Changing Places toilet. It will enable many more visitors to enjoy a day out in the district.
This new Changing Places Toilet is open now at Slimbridge.
