Lappa Valley are ensuring they are welcoming to all members of the community, with the addition of a new Changing Places toilet at the much-loved visitor attraction near Newquay.
The award-winning attraction has installed a new accessible toilet – complete with a hoist and changing table that is essential for many people living with disabilities – within The Engine Shed, the £1.5m purpose-built home to Lappa Valley’s new soft play area, party rooms and café.
250,000 people in the UK have severe disabilities and need access to a Changing Places toilet. Unfortunately, standard toilets are too small and lack the equipment to be used.
A full-size Changing Places toilet needs to provide 12m2 of space and provide special equipment such as a hoist and changing table. This provides those who need it with a suitably equipped, spacious, and dignified space to access places where previously they would have been unable to visit.
Louise Rail said: “The addition of a Changing Places toilet at Lappa Valley has made an amazing difference to our days out. Curtis can now access toileting facilities with dignity, and I no longer have anxiety about where or how I will manage his toileting needs.
“It is a wonderful facility, with a ceiling tracked hoist and height-adjustable changing table. It is very spacious so I can manoeuvre his wheelchair easily and access everything I need. Keith and the amazing team at Lappa Valley really do value inclusivity and are constantly striving to do more for visitors like Curtis, making us feel extremely valued and welcome.”
Keith Southwell, managing director at Lappa Valley said: “Since we took over at Lappa Valley in 2016 we’ve had a long-term plan to improve things and cement our place as the number one attraction for under 10s in Cornwall. The Engine Shed is central to fulfilling our aims and provided us with the opportunity to include a Changing Places toilet.
“We offer a warm welcome to one and all, regardless of their ability, and this new facility enables us to accommodate even more people who would like to enjoy a memorable visit.”
The Engine Shed development has also enabled Lappa Valley to open throughout the year for the first time this winter. Previously the award-winning attraction operated seasonally since opening its doors at the former silver and lead mine at East Wheal Rose in 1976.
To find out more visit lappavalley.co.uk.
