IWM Duxford opens Changing Places facility
A Changing Places toilet that provides extra space and specialist equipment for visitors with profound or multiple disabilities has opened at Imperial War Museum (IWM) Duxford.
It is only the third Changing Places toilet in South Cambridgeshire, providing additional disabled-friendly features like an adult size changing bed and a hoist for safe lifting.
IWM Duxford was inspired to set up the specialist toilet space following a visit by Peterborough-based charity, Little Miracles, which supports families with children with additional needs and life-limiting health conditions.
The museum approached South Cambridgeshire District Council, which secured £120,000 of funding from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, as part of £30million earmarked by the government to increase the number of Changing Places toilets across the country.
Cllr Bill Handley, lead cabinet member for communities, said: “We are delighted that the district council has been able to play a part in helping set up this new Changes Places toilet at IWM Duxford. These toilets are vital as they enable anyone, regardless of their disability, to go to the shops, attend hospital appointments, enjoy community life, socialise, and travel – all the things that most of us take for granted every day.”
Laura Crean, IWM assistant director, strategy and governance, said: “At IWM we are committed to removing and reducing barriers so that our branches are open and accessible for everyone. This new facility at IWM Duxford will ensure that we have high quality, clean and safe facilities which will substantially improve the visitor experience and move IWM Duxford one step forward to reducing those barriers. We’re very grateful to South Cambridgeshire District Council for their support with this project and to Little Miracles for their invaluable feedback.”
Established in 2005, the Changing Places campaign wants Changing Places toilets to be installed in all big public spaces. Changing Places toilets are provided in addition to, and not in place of, standard disabled toilets.
