When the John Lewis store in Cheltenham opens on Thursday 18 October 2018, people with severe physical and mental disabilities will be able to visit, safe in the knowledge that the additional space and equipment they need in order to use the toilet, will be available.
John Lewis confirmed to SoGlos that a Changing Places toilet will be installed inside of its new 115,000 square foot store. Although it’s not yet been confirmed which floor of the shop it will be located on.
Changing Places are used by people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as those with physical disabilities such as muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis. Changing Places provide additional equipment when compared to a standard disables toilet, such as adult sized changing benches, a hoist system and space for up to two carers. They also have a non-slip floor, large waste bins for disposable items, a centrally placed toilet with extra room on each side and a screen or curtain to allow for extra privacy.
There is also a Changing Places toilet being built in Pittville Park, due for completion in August 2018, but no others in the centre of Cheltenham or Gloucester, with the nearest Changing Places facilities in Dursley and Cinderford.
For more information about John Lewis Cheltenham, visit johnlewis.com directly.
