Following investment into accessible facilities, Lloyds Banking Group is the first bank to open its first Changing Places facility in Old Broad Street, London.
Over 250,000 people in the UK require access to a Changing Places facility, as standard accessible toilets are unable to meet their care needs. Changing Places provide a hygienic, safe and comfortable facility for disabled people and carers. Larger than a standard disabled facility, they offer space to manoeuvre a wheelchair, with up to two carers present.
Changing Place supplier, Innova Care Concepts, supplied and installed the new facility, including specialist healthcare equipment such as a height-adjustable changing bench and wash basin, ceiling track with hoist, as well as a privacy screen and shower facilities.
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Lloyds Banking Group Changing Places
Lloyds Banking Group’s Old Broad Street facility is open to the general public and opening hours can be found on the Changing Places website.
The Changing Place is the first of a planned series of investments in Lloyds Banking Group buildings to make these more inclusive for both their customers and colleagues.
The next facility, on Canons Way in Bristol’s Harbourside, is due to open later this year.
Quotes
Ross Hovey, Accessibility Manager, Lloyds Banking Group:
“Standard accessible toilets meet the needs for some people – but there are those of us where specialist washrooms with extra space are crucial. I regularly visit our Old Broad Street office in London and having the new Changing Places facility at work is a welcome step towards full inclusivity.
“I have spinal muscular atrophy and use an electric wheelchair, my care team provides the support I need, 24/7. This new facility further enables me and my carers to have access to facilities that help my needs when I am at work.
“The benefits aren’t just related to my working day. Many of us like to have a quick drink with work pals now and again and, for most, where to go to the loo isn’t a factor when deciding whether to have that post work pint. Having an adapted washroom gives me the freedom to make last minute decisions to socialise with my work friends, as I’m less anxious about getting back to my adapted home.”
David Oldfield, CEO Commercial Banking and Disability Sponsor, Lloyds Banking Group:
“Those of us who don’t have to think about how, when or where we use the toilet are in a position of privilege. A lack of accessible facilities can become a source of anxiety and stress for disabled people – making it difficult to leave home, or stay out for long periods of time.
“Everyone has the right to access facilities that meet their needs and, where a lack of these services prevents people from living their lives to the fullest, we need to take action. We’ve opened our first Changing Places toilet, at our office on Old Broad Street in Central London, and we’ll be opening more in the future – with the next in Bristol later this year.”
Derek Oliver, Changing Places Manager, Innova Care Concepts:
“It has been a pleasure to work with Lloyds Banking Group and Wates Group to deliver the first registered Changing Place in a banking institution.
“This new facility enables Lloyds Banking Group to be more accessible for employees who work in Old Broad Street, London, as well as providing access to a Changing Place for the wider public.
“It is fantastic to see the commitment shown to enhancing accessibility for all and we look forward to seeing more Changing Places installed in the workplace.”
Karen Hoe, Changing Places Manager, Muscular Dystrophy UK:
“As co-chair of the Changing Places Toilet Consortium, Muscular Dystrophy UK is delighted that Lloyds Banking Group has become the first bank nationally to install a Changing Places Toilet in a public building.
“We applaud Lloyds Banking Group commitment to supporting accessibility for both their staff and members of the public in the heart of London’s financial centre, making this important area more accessible for workers who depend on these facilities.
“At the Changing Places Consortium, we have been campaigning for more of these vital facilities nationwide to meet the needs of more than 250,000 people in the UK who are entirely dependent on them for their basic toileting needs once they leave the home.
“Changing Places facility costs upwards of just £20,000, and the impact for the community is invaluable.”
Changing Places
Innova Care Concepts have proudly worked with the Changing Places campaign for over 10 years, working alongside architects, local authorities and business owners to install over 100 Changing Places in public places across the UK.
As one of the leading Changing Place suppliers in the UK, they provide completely bespoke solutions to any building that needs a Changing Place.
Click here to read our Changing Places brochure or complete the contact form below to get in touch with our friendly Changing Places team.
