Astor Bannerman, a leading UK Changing Places Toilet equipment manufacturer, has just announced that they are to partner with Building Heroes, a charity for veterans, to train and employ ex-service personnel to install Changing Places toilets across the UK.

Read the full announcement from Astor Bannerman

 

Aveso introduced the charity to Astor Bannerman after having discussions with Building Heroes about the fantastic work they do to support unemployed

 military veterans in the UK, helping them to gain skills

 and transition into a new career in construction.

Brendan Williams (Chief Executive) of Building Heroes said:

“Many of our veterans have first-hand experience of disabilities and the challenges these present, so to train our Veteran graduates to install Changing Places Toilets was an obvious and exciting opportunity.

Changing Places campaigners Need2Change said:

“As parents of children and young adults with complex disabilities who need Changing Places toilets, we are delighted to see the building of more Changing Places in our communities.  They make such a

difference to disabled people, their friends, families, carers and companions.  It means disabled people and families, such as ours, can spend quality time out of our homes and participate in everyday life, just like everyone else.”

Changing Places Toilets have more room than a standard accessible toilet, with specialist equipment such as an adult-sized changing bench and a hoist

 system. The new £30 million Changing Places Fund will see the government match fund the costs of installing Changing Places facilities in existing buildings. Employing Military Veterans to install these is an exciting opportunity. This will mean more disabled people can go out, shop, and socialise without worrying about a lack of facilities, which is part of the government’s drive to level up opportunity for everyone across the country.

 

Astor Bannerman recently installed a Changing Places toilet at RAF Museum Cosford

 

Standard accessible toilets do not always meet the needs of all people with a disability. People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as people with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably. According to the Changing Places Consortium, over 250,000 people in the UK have been estimated to need Changing Places Toilet facilities, but there are only just over 1,600 across the UK.

 

ABOUT BUILDING HEROES

Building Heroes is a charity that has provided skills training to Military Veterans and support into employment in the building trades since 2014. Its aim is to tackle unemployment nationwide amongst those who have kept us safe by offering them a seamless transition to a new career in construction.

 

ABOUT AVESO

The team at Aveso are passionate about Changing Places toilets. They have supported the official Changing Places campaign since 2013, and can provide free, expert advice on all aspects of the Changing Places planning and design process.

 

ABOUT ASTOR BANNERMAN

Astor Bannerman offer the full range of products specified by Changing Places regulations, including fixed and mobile changing tables, hoists, height adjustable washbasins, toilets and accessories. They are always developing new products, and are proud to have developed the Astor Invincible, the first changing table designed specifically for Changing Places toilets.