First '˜Changing Places' facility in west at Ebrington

The project will involve the installation of the first such toilet facility installed anywhere in the north west.

It is being installed by local home care agency Glen Caring, who are developing and funding it.

“From our own experience of taking clients on respite care day trips, standard disabled toilets don’t have hoists and are simply not enough for those with severe mobility issues,” says Glen Caring manager Linda Beckett.

“This new facility will enable them and their carers to enjoy trips to and days out in Derry and the surrounding areas, with the security of knowing that their needs can be met with dignity.”

“Fitting is now at an advanced stage, so we hope it will be finished by the end of the year,” she said, adding:

“If you need further information about the new Changing Places facility, please email us on [email protected].”

Disability Action NI have said the new facility will be a superb resource for those with disabilities and would help to make Derry a more accessible destination for visitors with disabilities and their carers. Chief Executive Kevin Doherty said: “There is a growing network of Changing Places facilities across the UK. This will be the first one in NI’s Western Region, and will open up day trips to the city and region for those who might not have been able to travel comfortably here before.”