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A HAMPTON-based charity is calling for more help for families on a day out with disabled loved ones.
A HAMPTON-based charity is calling for more help for families on a day out with disabled loved ones.Mencap, a charity which works with families and individuals with learning disabilities, has a special “Changing Places” toilet facility at its base in Cyrus Way.
The toilet has special facilities to allow adults those with profound and multiple learning disabilities to be able to change without having to use dirty toilet floors.
The facilities include an adjustable changing bench and a hoist to allow people to use the toilet with assistance or have their incontinence pads changed.
The facilities were praised by Julie Marriott, mother of Toby, who has a severe learning disability, and she said: “I am racked with guilt every time I lie my son Toby down on a dirty toilet floor, because I know I am risking his health. But I have no other option. We can’t stay at home all the time.
“If there were Changing Places toilets in public places, we wouldn’t have to cut short our family days out or face changing Toby on a filthy toilet floor.
“Our lives would be dramatically improved and we would be able to enjoy days out, just like other families.”
The changing facility is the only one in Peterborough, one of just four in the East of England and one of only 85 across the country, and now the charity is urging shopping centres and other city centre venues to fit the special rooms.
Mencap chief executive Mark Goldring said: “Every time a carer is forced to change a disabled family member on a dirty toilet floor is a stain on the conscience of our country.
“We need the support of the public to ensure the Government makes Changing Places toilets mandatory in all new big public places.
“We urge the public to take a minute out of your day to sign our online petition on Mencap’s website. Your help will make a huge difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
Mencap is calling for people in the East of England to support the Changing Places campaign for fully accessible toilets by signing an online petition which will be presented to the Department for Communities and Local Government in October.
n For more information go to www.mencap.org.uk/changelives
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