Richmond Changing Places Toilet

We are writing this open letter to call for support for an important campaign to improve accessibility and dignity for Disabled people in Richmond upon Thames.

Currently, Richmond Borough is the only borough in South West London without a fully public Changing Places Toilet owned and operated by the council. Existing facilities are located within private venues and are often restricted by opening hours, limiting who can use them and when.

Without access to appropriate facilities, many Disabled people and their carers are forced to use unsafe, unhygienic, and undignified alternatives, or are excluded entirely from taking part in everyday activities.

A Changing Places Toilet is a fully accessible facility with specialist equipment, enabling people with higher support needs to use the toilet safely and with dignity. Access to such provision is essential for inclusion, independence and participation in community life.

The essential specialised equipment found in these facilities includes:

• Height-Adjustable Changing Bench: An adult-sized, padded, and height-adjustable bench (typically at least 1.8m long) to provide a stable and comfortable platform for changing or dressing.
• Ceiling Track Hoist: An XY (H-frame) tracking system that covers the full room. This allows carers to safely transfer a user from a wheelchair to the toilet or changing bench.
• Peninsula Toilet: A toilet placed centrally in the room with clear, accessible space on both sides for wheelchairs and carers to manoeuvre easily.
• Height-Adjustable Washbasin: A sink that can move up and down, offering clear space underneath to allow comfortable wheelchair access.
• Privacy Screen or Curtain: Provides a dignified partition so that carers and users have privacy in a shared room.
• Support Rails: Wall-mounted vertical grab rails and drop-down support rails around the toilet.
• Wide Paper Roll: A wide, tear-off paper dispenser to cover the changing bench for hygiene.
• Waste Disposal: A large standard waste bin and a clinical waste bin.
• Emergency Alarm System: Pull cords and reset buttons for immediate assistance if needed.

We are calling on Richmond Council to commit in writing to delivering a fully public, free-to-use Changing Places Toilet in a central and accessible location, with no restrictions linked to venue opening hours.

We believe this is a fundamental issue of equality and human dignity. Everyone—regardless of their access needs—should be able to use a public toilet safely and confidently when out in the community.

We are inviting organisations across Richmond Borough to stand with us by adding your name in support of this call. A united voice from local organisations will demonstrate the strength of need and urgency for action.

By signing our open letter, you will:

• Support the call for a fully public Changing Places Toilet in Richmond
• Help advocate for inclusive, accessible public spaces
• Join a collective effort to secure a written commitment from the council

If you would like to support this campaign, please fill in the form below or email yoursay@ruils.co.uk

Thank you for helping us ensure that Richmond becomes a borough where everyone can participate with dignity.

Yours sincerely,

Ruils Your Say Members
On behalf of the campaign for a public Changing Places Toilet