A new Changing Places toilet has opened in Brixham town centre. This facility provides a toilet for people with particularly complex physical needs supported by their carers, is for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

Changing Places toilets are suitable for those with spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis who often need extra equipment including a hoist and space for carers.

The project has been funded with £130,000 from the Government (Department for Levelling Up and Housing and Communities) and is being delivered by the Council’s toilet contractors Healthmatic, working in partnership with Changing Places, Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK), and Torbay Mencap Society.

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities for Torbay Council, said: “It is fantastic news that this new Changing Places unit is now complete in Brixham, providing much needed facilities for disabled people in Torbay. I would like to thank all the partners for their support in successfully getting this project off the ground.”

Quote from Torbay Mencap Society “We asked for the support from Torbay Council to make this happen, and we couldn’t have wished for more commitment from a wonderful and effective team of people. A massive thank you again on behalf of all members of Torbay Mencap Society. Hooray for Torbay!”

Martin Fearon, Managing Director at Healthmatic, said: “We are so pleased to continue delivering high quality public amenities for Torbay and in particular to provide a facility which enhances the inclusivity and equality for both residents and visitors in Brixham. Congratulations to the Partnership Team on achieving such a successful outcome.”

Brixham Town Council Mayor, Councillor Michael Roseveare, said: “I am pleased that this new and much needed facility has been opened in the centre of Brixham. Brixham is very a friendly and inclusive town which embraces its residents and visitors and I hope that this significant improvement in the facilities provided in Brixham offers comfort to those who need it. I’d like to thank all the partners for their efforts in securing this facility in Brixham and Torbay Council for providing the space in our central car park. I am sure that people from across Torbay and wider afield will appreciate it.”

Sharon O’Reilly, Deputy Director of Adult Social Services at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is so important to recognise and respect the dignity of disabled members of our community. For many people, Changing Places toilets are of vital importance and offer a life line to the community. We’re committed to working with Torbay Council to ensure people have opportunity to enjoy and benefit from the wonderful location we live in by making places as accessible as possible.”

The toilet is located in Brixham Central Car Park, and this is the second publicly available Changing Places facility for Torbay, with the other one located on Paignton Seafront behind the Vue Cinema and close to the Geopark.

The new facility in Brixham has been built on the site of a derelict Shopmobility unit which was used for the previous multi storey car park, and the location is close to existing disabled parking spaces.

The new facility includes:

• height adjustable adult-sized changing bench
• hoist system
• adequate space in the changing area for the disabled person and up to two carers
• centrally placed toilet with room either side
• screen or curtain to allow some privacy
• wide tear off paper roll to cover the bench
• large waste bin for disposable pads
• non-slip floor.

This is the second such Torbay Council project responding to engagement from Torbay Mencap Society that supports the Council’s Community and Corporate Plan. We want all residents, to feel and be safe and to live well within their communities.

There is no charge to access the changing places facility. You gain access with a door coded system. You can get the code from Healthmatic on 01249 823143.

More information about Changing Places toilets is on our webpage.

Pictured with Councillor Hayley Tranter (far left) are representatives from Torbay Mencap Society (along with local service users), Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Brixham Town Council and Healthmatic.