Work starts on latest Changing Places facility

Work has started on the district’s newest Changing Places facility, which is being installed at Herons Leisure Centre in Herne Bay.

It will comprise fully height-adjustable equipment including a shower bed, WC and basin with overhead hoist. Shower facilities are provided as a ‘wet room’, allowing full use of the bed and hoist as a changing room for all disabilities.

The Changing Places Association has approved the design and work is expected to be completed this spring. The facility will be open to anyone in the community, not just leisure centre users.

The project, a partnership between leisure services provider Active Life and the city council, will enhance the inclusive swim programme for adults at Herons swimming pool, which has been running since February 2022 and supports a group of adults aged mid 20s to mid 60s who receive swim development sessions.

Active Life CEO Anthony Cawley said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to welcome anyone, regardless of their physical or learning disabilities, to visit our pool and enjoy the freedom of movement they rarely experience in their day-to-day life. They, and their carers, can come to us with the confidence of having all the facilities they need to feel safe and secure, with a very caring and expert team on hand to help them on their swimming journey.”

Canterbury City Council’s Cabinet member for environmental services, Cllr Andrew Cook, said: “We are really pleased that work is getting underway on the latest Changing Places facility in the district. Changing Places facilities are fully accessible and are designed with generous space.

“We know how valued they are in the community and the difference they make to people’s lives, so to be increasing this provision locally is very welcome.”

To find out more about the new Changing Places facilities and adult swimming programme, call Herons Leisure Centre on 01227 742102.

Published: 27 January 2023