Access in St Neots achieves campaign success

Blog - 30 October 2024

Our Adult Social Care Partnership Boards regularly discuss and raise concerns about places to go to the toilet and access to shops. These two items enable people to live their lives as freely and independently as possible.
Signage which reads: 'Riverside Public Toilets - Changing Places Toilet'
Liz Owen in front of the Changing Places Toilet sign and pointing to it

Liz Owen, Vice-Chair of the Wheelchair User Forum, spoke about inequality at our recent summit. In her personal life she has established a group “Access in St Neots” which campaigns on access issues, including the installation of Changing Places.

A Changing Place is larger than an accessible toilet and has equipment such as hoists and changing tables so that people who need support can use them with dignity.

Liz has told us about the following pieces of work that Access in St Neots have been closely involved with around making these and other improvements:

Interior of a Changing Places Toilet

Changing Places

“Three years ago, it was a total pipe dream for me to think this could be made possible.

“To me, the hard work of the Town Council pushing other authorities and so generously funding a large chunk of the work means they care and value disabled people too. Changing Places will be life changing for so many and give a better quality of life to those needing it. 

“Not only have disabled people been listened to, but the general public get a nice fancy renovated toilet block too!

“For me, having a disabled toilet that isn't dark, grubby and unwelcoming will mean I don't have to schedule my day as much. 

“It's wonderful that St Neots will hopefully set an example to other towns too, on what can be achieved with a lot of perseverance.

Doorbells

“Access in St Neots has bought 10 wireless doorbells and 10 window stickers to assist businesses being accessible, or more accessible. The idea is for businesses with ramped access, but no way of asking for help from the outside, to install a doorbell so that people can get assistance.”

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