Changing Places - Riverside Park, St Neots
The Problem
Many disabled people and their families do not have access to suitable toilet facilities when out in public. Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of everyone—particularly those who require additional space, specialist equipment, or assistance.
Without appropriate facilities, people are often forced into undignified situations, such as being changed on public toilet floors or having to leave and return home.
What We Did
Over a period of two years, Access in St Neots worked to raise awareness of the need for a Changing Places facility in the town.
This included:
Engaging with the local community
Working closely with St Neots Town Council
Advocating for change with Huntingdonshire District Council
Supporting funding efforts through government-backed initiatives
Through persistence and collaboration, the project moved from idea to reality.
The Result
Building work is now underway at Riverside Park, with a new Changing Places toilet being installed alongside improvements to the existing facilities.
This will provide:
A safe, clean, and dignified space
Specialist equipment including a hoist and changing bench
Greater independence and inclusion for disabled people and their families
Why It Matters
Across the UK, there are just over 1,700 Changing Places toilets, with around 100 added each year.
For over 250,000 people who require additional support, these facilities are essential—not optional.
This project helps ensure that St Neots becomes a more inclusive place, where more people can access and enjoy public spaces without unnecessary barriers.
To find out more about Changing Places, you can visit the official website: https://www.changing-places.org/
Our lovely new visible sign
Ready to cut the red tape
Being granted the honour of officially opening the refurbished toilets and new Changing Places, with Mayor Richard Slade.
With the town and district councillors and Mayor of St Neots
The location of the Changing Places facility
Changing bench and hoist
Height adjustable sink with remote control
It's one of the largest Changing Places I've ever seen!
The adjacent disabled toilet next door has been refurbished
The disabled toilet is lighter, brighter, cleaner and better spaced out. (The bin has since been moved!)
The disabled toilet is more private now and has closed the big gap that used to exist at the top!
The disabled toilet is where it was previously
Feeling very proud of my accomplishment!
Yeah! We did it!
The other toilets were also refurbished. They are all unisex now.
There is even an ambulant toilet, with some assistance rails, for those less mobile, but not requiring the disabled toilet.
Every sign also has tactile braille on it too.
Solar panels installed on a residential roof with a brick facade, two grey utility doors with blue shutters, and a small sign indicating bathroom facilities.