The iconic heritage railway station at Ravenglass in Cumbria is the latest location for a Changing Places facility.
The new fully accessible state-of-the-art Changing Places toilet can be used not just by disabled visitors to the railway and museum, but also the public.
It’s designed specifically to cater to the needs of individuals who require more support and space than standard, and includes additional equipment such as a hoist, adult sized changing bench and space for carers.
A consortium of leading charitable organisations including Muscular Dystrophy UK, Age Concern and the Disability Alliance have been actively campaigning for widespread access to Changing Places since 2006.
According to a survey commissioned by the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers, 81% said that by having access to a Changing Places toilet facility at a transport network allowed them to have a day out. 50% of survey participants said that they found it difficult to find out where CPT’s are located when planning a trip, which highlights the importance of accessibility and increasing general awareness.
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a narrow-gauge railway in the Lake District offering steam train journeys through stunning scenery. The 7-mile line runs from Ravenglass to Dalegarth Station near Boot in the valley of Eskdale.
The Changing Places toilet, devised and installed by expert disability technology company Innova Care Concepts, makes a fundamental difference to visitors with disabilities.
“Our primary mission is to utilise the technology we have in order to make the UK a more equitable society with access for everyone,” said Tom Hulbert, Innova Care Concepts Managing Director.
“We are delighted to have installed these new facilities at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway station to make accessibility easier for all their visitors and the general public.”
For further details about the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway visit https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/