Changing Places

A Changing Places facility allows people with high support needs to fully participate in the community. It is an internationally-recognised public facility, which was first started in the UK in 2006 and has since expanded to countries all over the globe, including Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.

Changing Places means dignity, safety, hygiene, access, and inclusion. They are larger than standard accessible toilets and include extra features such as a ceiling hoist which assists carer/s to lift someone from a wheelchair safely, transfer to the toilet and change table. Changing Places have enough room for everyone and is a toilet fit for purpose, enabling people to use the bathroom safely, and most importantly, with dignity.

Changing Places enable many people with high support needs to enjoy the day-to-day activities that many of us take for granted, such as going to work, school or university, playing in the park, or attending cultural, sporting, or social and family events. Without Changing Places, many people are locked out of the community, not out of choice, but by a lack of accessible facilities.

Having access to a toilet isn’t a privilege, it’s a right. But for many, regular toilets - and even regular accessible toilets - aren’t delivering on that right. That’s why we need Changing Places. A Changing Places facility allows people with high support needs to access a fully accessible public toilet facility while actively participating in their community for work or play.

A Changing Places toilet facility allows people with high support needs - and their friends, families and carers - to participate in all elements of community life, without having to limit their time out due to concerns about being able to access a suitable toilet.

The Changing Places area at Ascot Vale Leisure Centre is located on the ground floor in the hallway moving towards the Stadium, just past the stairs to the Reformer / Wellness studio.