Town Council secures it’s first funding for a Changing Places facility in Silloth!

Silloth-on-Solway Town Council are pleased to announce that we have been successful in an application for funding towards the cost of providing a Changing Places facility in Silloth.  £5,000 has been awarded by Cumbria Community Foundation from the Hellrigg Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund towards the project which is great news.

Cllr. Carol Doran, Chair of the Accessibility Committee said:

“This is brilliant news for Silloth and shows how important this facility is, offering those with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy with confidence Silloth and indeed the Green.  The Accessibility Committee are delighted to know that they are supported in this endeavour by such as Cumbria Community Foundation.”

Changing Places are more than a standard accessible toilet because they offer more specialist equipment that meets the needs of individuals with profound and complex disabilities who cannot use the toilet independently. Most significantly, Changing Places provide hoists and changing benches for people who cannot stand to get onto the toilet or who use continence products. This creates an inclusive environment which disabled people and their carers can use to meet their personal care needs – something which should be a basic right for everyone whilst out in public.

A Changing Places Toilet can give people with disabilities and their families a new-found freedom as they are able to stay away from home longer, knowing that they can visit a safe, hygienic bathroom. They will be able to spend more time in the town and enjoy the wide-open spaces on Silloth Green and the facilities available to them. It will encourage more visitors to the town and the local area which will benefit the local shops and businesses. It would also put Silloth on the map in terms of accessibility for the disabled. The facility will be added to the Changing Places website which highlights where all the Changing Places facilities are throughout the country.

We are currently awaiting the outcome of an Expression of Interest submitted by Allerdale Borough Council on behalf of Silloth back in September, for a share of a £30 million Government fund to install life-enhancing Changing Places toilets in public places and tourist attractions.