CHANGING PLACES

Livingston Designer Outlet has invested in a new facility that will increase the number of fully accessible ‘Changing Places’toilets in West Lothian from two to three.

Changing Places are modified toilets which have more space and the right equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist, to meet the additional needs of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, as well as older people.

The Changing Places Consortium was launched in 2006 on behalf of more than 250,000 people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. The Consortium was co-founded by PAMIS (Promoting a More Inclusive Society), the only organisation in Scotland that works solely with people with multiple learning disabilities and their families for a better life.

The new facility was officially opened by Livingston Designer Outlet’s commercial director, Angus Fyfe, and Fiona Souter from PAMIS. The charity is campaigning this week as part of its annual Spend a Penny campaign which raises awareness of the need for Changing Places toilets across the UK. Karen Stewart, centre manager at Livingston Designer Outlet, said: “We’re proud to be opening a Changing Places facility at Livingston Designer Outlet, ensuring an inclusive experience for all of our customers.”