A new Changing Places toilet is now open at Ogden Water Country Park, improving facilities and accessibility at the Calderdale beauty spot, particularly for those with severe disabilities or complex needs.
As part of the Changing Places programme, a partnership between the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and Muscular Dystrophy UK, Calderdale has been awarded funding for three Changing Places toilets in the borough.
The first of these was installed at Todmorden Learning Centre and Community Hub last year and work to install a Changing Places toilet is also underway at the Fire & Water building in Sowerby Bridge.
These fully accessible toilets are for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. They include specialist equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches, and space for carers.
The installation of the Changing Places toilet at Ogden Water complements the wheelchair-friendly routes around the reservoir, making the site a more inclusive place to visit. It also provides the opportunity for people with a range of disabilities to enjoy the countryside and the associated mental and physical health benefits.
The Changing Places facility is currently open from 8am until 4pm, as part of the winter opening hours which will run until late March. The opening times will increase to 6am until 6pm from late March until late October.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Cllr Tim Swift, said:
“Ogden Water Country Park is a popular place for walks, picnics and family outings. We want to make the site as inclusive as possible, to enable more people to enjoy the beautiful countryside and experience the many accompanying benefits.
“There are already wheelchair-friendly routes around the reservoir, but the opening of a new Changing Places toilet will support wider access for those who cannot use standard accessible toilets, ensuring that they, and their family, friends and carers, can enjoy their visit with the peace of mind that there are facilities which meet their needs.”
Funding for the Ogden Water facility has been provided by DLUHC in partnership with Muscular Dystrophy UK, with further support from Calderdale Council and the Friends of Calderdale’s Countryside. Thanks is also given to the Accessible Calderdale Disability Action Forum for their support and guidance.
For more information about Changing Places toilets and to search for existing facilities across the country, visit https://www.changing-places.org/(external link)