Changing places

Providing better toilet facilities for disabled people in Hull city centre

Above, Shane Lewis, pictured by the entrance to the public conveniences in Queen Victoria Square, says access to some toilet facilities in the city centre can be a problem for disabled people. Below, Shane and his friends from Frederick Holmes School are campaigning for new facilities to cater for their needs.

Dear Hull in Print,

We are students and pupils from Frederick Holmes School and College and we have a problem. When we go into town a lot of us can't use the facilities provided by the council. Although there are lots of disabled toilets in Hull, they are not suitable for our needs. Most of our students are unable to use a toilet and need a 'changing place' toilet room with a plinth and an overhead hoist.
This is quite upsetting for us because we have to try not to go to the toilet all day and we have to try not to have an accident.
This can be painful and we think it is very unhealthy to not go. It can also lead to water infections which are very painful. It is really difficult for us to spend a full day in town.
This is an issue that was raised by us at the Hull Young People's Parliament and it was carried in chambers as an issue that needs to be addressed.
We have invited elected members of Hull City Council to visit our school so that we can help them understand what we need.
We have written this letter to make people aware of our needs and will keep you informed of any progress.

From Shane Lewis, Abagail Stewart, Alice Gotts and April Hilton.

Hull City Council responds

As a result of pupils from Frederick Holmes School raising the issue of providing more changing places, and writing a letter to Hull in print, Hull City Council has set up a steering group to look into what can be done. Pupils from the school will join council and health service representatives on the steering group to investigate whether any suitable sites can be found and if money can be made available to provide new changing place facilities. Look out for updates on this story in future editions of Hull in print. For more information on help for disabled people visit www.hullcc.gov.uk