A new, state-of-the-art accessible Changing Places toilet facility on Level 1 of the Meridian Shopping Centre was officially opened on Wednesday 21 August 2024 by the Mayor of Havant, joined by service users from local day service Chaos Support.
The facility which will benefit people with disabilities and their carers was made possible thanks to a successful bid by Havant Borough Council securing £150,000 in government funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for two Changing Places conveniences.
Changing Places Toilets are designed for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. These are larger and accessible for people with limited mobility, or specific disabilities and care needs. They are fitted with hoists, privacy screens, adult-sized changing benches, peninsula toilets and have space for carers.
Councillor Gillian Harris, Cabinet lead for Regeneration and Communities at Havant Borough Council, said: “We are proud that we have been able to install a Changing Places facility, the first of its kind in the borough, in the Meridian Centre.
“We know that public toilets are important, but for people with additional needs having specialised facilities are essential. This will enable anyone, regardless of their disability, to go to the shops, visit the library, attend appointments, enjoy community life, socialise, and travel. All the things that most of us take for granted every day.
“I’m really glad we’ve been able to access the funding to allow us to deliver these facilities for our residents and visitors.”
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, The Mayor of Havant, Councillor Peter Wade, said “These facilities are valued by those who cannot use a standard accessible toilet. They make such a difference to daily life – making outings possible, easier, and much less stressful. Our thanks go to the team at Meridian Shopping Centre for managing the facilities.
Another Changing Places Toilet facility is set to be completed in the coming months on Hayling Island seafront at Chichester Avenue.
CHANGING PLACES AT MERIDIAN
The toilet is open:
- 9:00am -5:30pm Monday to Saturday
- 10:00am – 4:00pm Sunday and Bank Holidays
Entry is by a radar key and an additional keypad access code. Please phone the centre number 023 9249 8549 and press option 1 to obtain the access code during business hours.
Please note that this code will change from time to time, so it is advised that you call ahead of your visit to make sure you have the correct code.
Changing Places Toilets support people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as those with other physical disabilities who require extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilet safely and comfortably. The provision of these toilets enables people with disabilities to enjoy a day out, go shopping, have a meal, and do a myriad of other activities that most people take for granted.
Details of other Changing Places facilities can be found on Changing Places Toilets (changing-places.org.
