Four new Changing Places facilities created across Babergh and Mid Suffolk

Four new Changing Places facilities will be created in visitor locations in Babergh and Mid Suffolk following a successful bid for grant funding for almost £200,000.

Changing Places facilities are larger accessible toilets that feature specialist equipment such as hoists, privacy screens, adult-sized changing benches, peninsula toilets with ample space for carers.

Working with key partners to identify suitable locations, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils were awarded the full allocation of their bid, meaning that each district will benefit from two Changing Places facilities.

In Babergh, the first new Changing Places facility will be installed at Flatford Mill (pictured above), working in partnership with the National Trust who will manage the facilities on an ongoing basis. As one of the most popular visitor attractions in the district, its introduction will make this important site more accessible for a range of visitors.

The second facility will be developed at Belle Vue Park in Sudbury, which could either be part of the proposed new café or as a stand-alone unit.

Commenting on the funding, Leigh Freeman, from the National Trust said: “Everyone should have the right to benefit from nature, beauty and history and the positive benefits that special places like Flatford and the Dedham Vale can offer.  People with severe disabilities and their families should be able to enjoy their day without having to worry about whether they can access suitable facilities.

“Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to enjoy Flatford and Dedham Vale every year and we’re working hard to make Flatford a more accessible place to visit. We’re incredibly grateful to Babergh District Council for their support in putting us forward to benefit from the Changing Places fund.”

In Mid Suffolk, the council has worked with the Food Museum, formerly the Museum of East Anglian Life, in Stowmarket, as well as Stradbroke Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre, run by operator Everyone Active, to agree the new Changing Places facilities.

Jenny Cousins, director of the Food Museum, said: “We are really thrilled that we are going to be able to build a Changing Places facility in Stowmarket town centre. Many people will really benefit from access to these facilities and it’s really important in enabling people to leave their homes and live a full life.”

The funding provided to each district was based on several factors including the current provision of Changing Places toilets, and the proportion of a local authority’s population which are classified as disabled based on 2011 census data.