The Usual Place in Dumfries has been shortlisted for a national Sudocrem award for their Changing Places Toilet.
One parent who nominated the toilet said: “For people who are disabled, and or caring for a disabled person. This was the only place in the whole region that had a changing room, until the new DGRI opened in December last year. The facility itself is always keep clean, something that is not always said. The access is spot on, and the unit is plenty big enough for even the largest of adults, to be able to be changed, with their dignity being maintained.
The Usual Place is becoming a much loved place for the wider community to meet friends or simply enjoy a meal or a coffee in a truly unique venue.
And, by supporting this social enterprise venture, local people and visitors to Dumfries are also helping to provide valuable work experience and training opportunities for young people aged between 16 to 26 who require additional support to reach their full potential. Training will include SVQ Level 1 in Hospitality, Food Hygiene and other accredited employability qualifications .
There are three categories for this year’s award scheme:
- Baby Changing Room of the Year
- Dad’s Changing Rooms
- Changing Places Toilet (in association with PAMIS)
There are 800,000 disabled children in the UK but only 1058 Changing Places toilets to meet their needs. This means that parents like Laura Rutherford, whose son Brody, 5, suffers from GDD, epilepsy, hypermobility and hypotonia, is forced to change her son on a toilet floor.
“Life beyond a baby changing table when your child is doubly incontinent means constant exclusions when you go out as a family. It’s heart breaking for us as parents and this is an issue that will sadly become harder and harder as he grows up. He is different not less. Time for change.”
Since 2012, Sudocrem has campaigned for change with an award scheme to recognise the importance of good nappy changing facilities. Past winners have included Mothercare, John Lewis, Sainsbury’s and the National Museums of Scotland.
“From day one, we wanted to show that baby changing rooms are important and often over-looked. We’re proud that our campaign has been recognised and won the OTC Marketing Award 2017. Now we’re ready to tackle the issue of facilities for disabled children by working with the charity PAMIS (Promoting A More Inclusive Society) to highlight the Changing Places facilities that organisations such as Arsenal Football Club have put in to make a difference to a wider range of people. It’s all about inspiring people by setting a good example.”
Jenny Miller CEO of PAMIS explains, “We are thrilled that Sudocrem have recognized the needs of children with complex needs as they grow too large for baby changing facilities. Children and young people who require these facilities are often prevented from taking part in their communities by the simple things that we take for granted. In 2007 we cofounded the Changing Places Consortium and campaign to develop accessible facilities for the most disabled people in the UK. The Sudocrem award scheme is a great idea and we’re confident it’s going to make a big difference!”
Nominations for the award close on March 26th and the winners will be announced on March 29th.
