Changing Places toilet facility opened by disability campaigner!

Our new Changing Places facility has been officially opened by inspirational disability champion Zack Kerr.

The specialist facility has been fitted as part of our ongoing commitment to being a ‘zoo for all’.  It has a height-adjustable changing bench, ceiling hoist, peninsular toilet and plenty of space.

Our Director, Darren Webster, said: “With more than 240,000 disabled people in the UK we want to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy a fun day out, which is something many of us take for granted.

“Our existing accessible toilets meet the requirements of many people with additional needs, but not all, and a Changing Places Toilet Facility will help us meet the needs of many more visitors and their families.

“It was installed thanks to grant funding provided by the Government with support from Blackpool Council and Blackpool Zoo in association with Muscular Dystrophy UK.  

“We were honoured to welcome Zack and his dad, Ceri, to officially cut the ribbon. His tireless efforts to campaign for the rights of disabled people have made a real difference.”

Zack, who is 28 and from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, has quadriplegic cerebral palsy which affects his limbs and speech. He is best known for being a Changing Places campaigner and National Diversity Award Winner. In 2017 he launched his motorway services campaign when he learned that there were just 10 of the specialist toilets on the UK motorway network. 

In 2019, Zack and his parents were part of a group of campaigners and organisations that were invited to Downing Street to meet with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to discuss the issues surrounding suitable toilet facilities for disabled people.

A year later in 2020 the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a £30m grand fund for Changing Places Toilet Facilities across the country. 

Now there 2,600 in key locations, with more going live on what is Changing Places Awareness Day (Friday 19^th July). Speaking at the opening of the Blackpool Zoo Changing Places Toilet Facility, he said: “I am really pleased to be have been invited to open this new Changing Places Toilet at Blackpool Zoo today. I haven’t been able to visit the zoo here for a long time because I really need these facilities to be able to enjoy a day out anywhere, otherwise I can’t stay anywhere long and have to cut short my visits.

“I always say that Changing Places are life-changing for me and so many other people like me, who have additional needs and require adult-sized changing facilities with a hoist and the support of carers so that we can use the toilet with dignity and in a hygienic environment.  

“I’ve been asking the zoo to consider installing a Changing Places Toilet for a number of years and now I am really looking forward to visiting more often as I love seeing the animals and birds here. Wow! I can’t believe it that Blackpool Zoo has a Changing Places now!”  

 MDUK is the co-chair of the Changing Places Consortium and provides specialist expertise to support local councils that have been awarded funding to create these facilities.

Karen Hoe, who is the Changing Places Toilet Manager at MDUK said: “We are delighted to see this new Changing Places Toilet installed at Blackpool Zoo knowing what difference it will make to hundreds of people knowing they can now visit and enjoy the Zoo.”

Cllr Paula Burdess, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for neighbourhoods, said: “I am delighted to see Blackpool Zoo added to the list of locations where visitors can access a Changing Places toilet. The Zoo already does so much to ensure that everyone can experience an enjoyable day out, the installation of this facility will provide extra reassurance and convenience for those who struggle to use traditional accessible toilets.”

Darren continues “Being a ‘zoo for all’ is one of our guiding principles and we have rolled out many initiatives to cater to everyone’s individual needs.

“Hearing loops, sensory maps, ‘quiet’ opening times, sign language training and talks, Dementia Friends training, accessible picnic tables, accessible animal contact areas, inclusive animal interactions, braille and Makaton sensory awareness signage and priority seating are also in place to ensure everyone can fully participate in the zoo’s activities.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to improve even further and we’re proud of our commitment to making animal conservation and education engaging and accessible to as many people as possible.”

The new toilet is listed on the CPT Map where people can find their nearest Changing Places Toilet Facility. Learn more at changing-places.org

Find out more about accessibility at Blackpool Zoo: blackpoolzoo.org.uk/plan-your-visit