Ellesmere now has two stoma friendly toilets in the town centre thanks to the actions of Ellesmere Town Council.
One of the council owned-accessible public toilets on Cross Street has been adapted to meet the needs of people with a stoma and can be accessed with the use of a RADAR key; the second is in the Town Hall and is accessible during opening hours.
The Town Council has placed ‘Not all disabilities are visible #stomafriendly' stickers on the doors to make users aware. Because the condition is hidden, people in need of such facilities often face discrimination, being challenged or criticised for using accessible toilets.
Councillor Anne Wignall, said: “The Council understands that it is important to make these additions to our accessible toilets in the town centre. A few small adaptations and suitable signage can make a huge difference to people’s lives.’
In the UK, 1 in 500 people are living with a stoma. Colostomy UK and Crohn’s & Colitis UK have been working to spread awareness of the ‘hidden’ condition.
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