Changing Places Conference 2015

February 2015 saw the first ever conference dedicated to Changing Places toilet facilities for the disabled and was organised by Changing Places and their sponsors Aveso Ltd (Astor-Bannerman & OpeMed).

The event was an informative and collaborative day which included a number of experienced and respected industry experts as guest speakers including founding consortium members, Accessible Derbyshire, The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity, Visits Unlimited, Euan’s Guide, Hop, Skip and Jump and Changing Places campaign sponsors Aveso.

There were also stories told by campaigners and families that need these vital Changing Places. It was a chance to learn and share experiences and form a greater understanding about how vital and life changing these facilities are to families who need to use them every single day. Without Changing Places, families are forced to change their loved ones on dirty toilet floors!

During the Changing Places Conference, everyone took part in workshops, quizzes and networking sessions and were treated to lunch at Chesterfield FC who hosted the event and have their very own Changing Places toilet, complete with ceiling hoist and changing bench.

The conference, gave everyone an opportunity to celebrate the work of campaigners and venues who have embraced Changing Places and the very first “People’s Choice Changing Places Award” winner was announced with Arsenal FC taking home the award due to becoming the first Premiere League Football Club to have a Changing Places toilet and embrace the needs of their disabled supporters and their families.

Changing Places and Aveso welcomed all campaigners to the event to find ideas, support and information on how the Changing Places campaign can and will continue to grow and how everyone can get involved to achieve this. After all, Changing Places would be nowhere without the hard work and support of the campaigners and experienced families.

Check out this video to see all the action and get a taste of what the Changing Places Conference 2016 will look like…