News

Changing Places Facility at Teesside Park

According to Changing Places, more than a quarter of people in the UK need extra space and equipment to help them use toilets safely and comfortably.

We want everyone to enjoy their visit to Teesside Park and are pleased to offer a variety of services to support our shoppers including our Changing Places facility located within the Centre Management suite.

Access to the Changing Places is via a radar key, if you do not have your own with you, please just ask a member of staff and they will be happy to help. The facilities are open in line with the opening hours of the centre and include:

• Changing Bench – adult sized and height adjustable
• Hoist – ceiling track hoist designed to be used with loop attachment slings
• Toilet – the toilet has room either side for carers to support
• Sink – height adjustable
• Shower – handheld and adjustable shower

Tracey Speight from Middlesbrough, a carer for a disabled young person,  officially unveiled the fully accessible facility. She has welcomed the opening of the new facility and believes it will benefit the local community and raise awareness of the need for Changing Places facilities.

Tracey said: “Many people aren’t aware of what a Changing Place facility is or how essential it can be for those who live with disabilities or limiting conditions.”

“Changing Places facilities are vital as many people cannot use standard accessible toilets. It’s such a positive step from Teesside Park to introduce this at the centre. I’m hopeful others will look to do similar when they see just how much of a difference the facilities can make in the community.”

Teesside Park’s other accessible services currently include wheelchair hire and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme.

British Land, the parent company of Teesside Park, has also recently been awarded the ‘Disability Smart Accreditation’ from the Business Disability Forum. The award is given to organisations who can demonstrate that disability inclusion is an integral part of their company culture and processes. British Land is the first organisation within the Real Estate sector to gain this recognition.

For more information about Changing Places: Changing Places Toilets (changing-places.org)

Last updated Monday 9 October, 2023