RAF Museum Cosford, one of the premier tourist destinations in Shropshire, officially opened its brand-new Astor Bannerman Changing Places Toilet last week.
Staff at the museum were joined by carers from City of Wolverhampton Council, Adult Provider Services and Aveso CEO Nick Kent for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Located in the visitor centre, the toilet includes a ceiling track hoist for full room coverage and an adult size height adjustable changing table, amongst other essential equipment and the extra space needed to use the toilet safely and comfortably.
The equipment in the Changing Places toilet includes:
- Astor Invincible Changing Table
- Astor OT200 Ceiling Hoist
- Astor ABW6 Height Adjustable Wash Basin
- Centrally Placed Toilet
- Portable Privacy Screen
- Accessories including grab rails
Talking about the new accessible facility, Paula Kovacs, RAF Museum Community Engagement Manager said:
‘As a national museum, we recognise how important it is that each one of our visitors is able to enjoy their day with us in comfort and dignity. This is particularly important for visitors with profound and multiple learning disabilities, and others who need extra support. I am certain that this new facility will have a tremendous positive impact on the visitor experience for those of our visitors with such requirements, as well as their families, friends and carers, enabling them to enjoy as fully as possible their day with us, confident that their requirements are being catered for.’
The Changing Places toilet was given a big thumbs up from members of the City of Wolverhampton Council, Adult Provider Services (Day Opportunities), who recently visited the RAF Museum on their first day trip to an attraction in more than a year.
One carer said:
‘It’s my first visit to the RAF Museum and the Changing Places facility is wonderful. The Museum is amazing, and we will now be able to plan more days out with our members. Without the Changing Places facility, we wouldn’t have been able to bring some of our members.’
‘It’s vital when we go out that we have facilities for people to use. Changing Places toilets is something we can’t always find but having one so close will make days out so much better.’
Nick Kent, CEO of Aveso, a long-term sponsor of The Changing Places Campaign making venues more accessible for all, said:
‘Changing Places are a vital facility for the disabled community and their carers. There are over 1,600 Changing Places rooms in the UK, but this facility is one of the most beautifully designed with the mural of the sky. It’s a great facility for users and carers and ensures the Museum is an attractive day out for everyone.’
The Museum’s new Changing Places facility is provided in addition to the standard accessible toilets that can be found in each of the Museum’s buildings. For further details of the various facilities that the Museum offers for visitors requiring additional assistance please visit rafmuseum.org/Cosford.
The Museum is open daily from 10.00am. While still offering FREE entry to all, visitors are kindly asked to pre-book their arrival time online at rafmuseum.org.
ABOUT ASTOR BANNERMAN
Astor Bannerman offer the full range of products specified by Changing Places regulations, including fixed and mobile changing tables, hoists, height adjustable washbasins, toilets and accessories. They are always developing new products, and are proud to have developed the Astor Invincible, the first changing table designed specifically for Changing Places toilets.
Contact Astor Bannerman on 01242 820820 if you have any questions about Changing Places Toilets or the newly announced £30m of Government funding. We also offer free advice on any aspect of planning and installation for a specific project.
ABOUT AVESO
The team at Aveso are passionate about Changing Places toilets. They have supported the official Changing Places campaign since 2013, and can provide free, expert advice on all aspects of the Changing Places planning and design process.