More Changing Places

The venues and work programme for the toilets were backed by the City Council and the full list of more than a dozen Sunderland facilities is at: Changing Places Toilets (changing-places.org)

All the toilets are designed for people with disabilities and complex needs who require extra facilities that are not offered by standard accessible toilets. Changing Places toilets are bigger with room for one or two carers, and include equipment and support that is needed by people who may have limited mobility, such as a hoist, privacy screens and an adult-sized changing bench.

Sunderland City Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, Councillor Kelly Chequer said: "Getting the funding, completing the fitting-out work, plus of course opening and registering the toilets has all been very important work.

"The new facilities show how much we as a City Council are determined to have opportunities and access for all. Changing Places aligns to our ongoing plans for a healthier, vibrant city and to make public venues more accessible to all our residents and visitors. I know how these are greatly welcomed and appreciated."

Money came from the national Changing Places funding programme that granted £330,000 for the works. The new facilities are at:

• Herrington Country Park
• Hetton Community Pool and Wellness Centre (Everyone Active)
• Houghton Sports and Wellness Centre (Everyone Active)
• Raich Carter (Everyone Active)
• Roker Park
• Silksworth Community Pool Tennis and Wellness Centre (Everyone Active)
• Washington Library and Customer Service Centre

A facility at the Elemore Park Garden and Visitor Centre was also completed last year.

Everyone Active's contract manager, Ian Bradgate, said: "We aim to serve people across the local community and want to ensure everyone feels welcome and included at our centres. These accessible toilets will ensure those with disabilities and complex needs who require extra facilities are fully catered for."

It's been estimated that there are around quarter of a million people in the UK who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

Cllr Chequer added: "Changing Places is about opening up more public places for children or adults with complex needs who need carer support, appropriate equipment and more space. Standard accessible toilets cannot meet these needs and were designed for people who can use them independently. As we increase the number of Changing Places toilets, we are living up to its name and bringing very positive change to places all across our city."

Karen Hoe, MDUK Changing Places Manager, said: "Changing Places toilets are life-changing facilities required by over a quarter of a million people in the UK - not including their family carers. The new Changing Places toilets in Sunderland will make a huge difference to disabled people and their families and will mean that they can enjoy all that the venues and area has to offer."