'Families should never have to change their children on a dirty floor' - Charity's excitement as special disability changing space takes shape
A specially designed changing area for people with disabilities and their carers is taking shape in Sleaford.
Rainbow Stars have had the go-ahead to convert a room in a Changing Places area at their disability hub in Watergate, supporting young people with additional needs and their families.
The changing space will be the first in the town to be equipped to cater for people who cannot use traditional accessible public bathrooms due to the extra space needed for carers and disability aids.
Jane Peck from the charity announced on social media: “We weren't going to share until finished but we are so excited and need to massively thank a few people, as we are blown away with our dream inclusive bathroom."
She said: “B McIntyre Builds have been the most amazing builders and made this a stress-free, tidy project.”
She said they have been working on the space in the run up to Christmas and have just the hoist and adjustable bed to fit.
Jane also thanked Huws Gray Buildbase of Sleaford for drawing up plans and getting the equipment, as well as Castle Print for creating a piece of fabulous piece of wall art, designed to be calming for those using the space.
She said: “This has been a dream for many years, as we are totally self-funded and voluntary, we were lucky enough to receive a large, anonymous donation and many other businesses gave us amounts towards it.”
Supporters also did a sponsored walk across the Humber Bridge.
Jane also thanked their landlords at the Masonic Hall - Sleaford Freemasons, Red Cross of Constantine Lincolnshire, NFU Mutual, Interflora, PGL Caythorpe and Rotary in Sleaford.
Commenting on what the new Changing Space will mean, Jane said: “Families should never have to change their children on a dirty floor, or take towels out to hide their dignity. Many of us have been there and this is why we are overwhelmed we have this in Sleaford in our Disability Hub on Watergate."
The changing space will be open to the public during the hub’s regular opening hours.