Liverpool ONE launches stoma-friendly toilets as part of increase in accessible facilities

Quiet hours, stoma-friendly toilets, large print maps, and sensory bags are among the new accessibility services now available at Liverpool ONE as part of continued plans to increase accessibility facilities and tools.

Ahead of Purple Tuesday in November, a worldwide initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility and inclusivity, the retail and entertainment destination has continued expanding its accessibility services as part of its ongoing accessibility journey.

Part of this new wave of accessibility facility enhancements is the introduction of stoma-friendly toilets at Liverpool ONE.

Giovanni Cinque, Marketing and Campaigns Manager at Colostomy UK, said:

“Having access to stoma-friendly toilets can make the difference between someone with a stoma feeling confident to go out and enjoy life or staying at home through fear and anxiety.

“At Colostomy UK, we know that simple changes to toilet facilities, such as providing a shelf, hook, and disposal bin, give people dignity, independence, and peace of mind.

“Liverpool ONE’s commitment to creating stoma-friendly spaces sends a powerful message that everyone is welcome, and that hidden conditions should never be a barrier to taking part in everyday activities.”

Also part of these new accessibility tools and services are the availability of large print maps, an established ‘quiet hour’ every Friday morning across multiple stores, as well as the free rental service of sensory bags filled with a collection of tools that help individuals with sensory sensitivities in busy or loud environments.

According to a 2021 Liverpool City Region report commissioned by the Cheshire and Merseyside Directors of Public Health, an estimated 1 in 14 people in the region have a sensory impairment. Additionally, 10-15% of the population identify as neurodivergent – an umbrella term that includes neurominority identities such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia.

In the coming weeks, Sign Live, an on-demand sign language interpretation service, will be introduced at the Liverpool ONE Information Centre.

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said:

“We are working closely with partners, experts, and visitors with accessibility needs to ensure Liverpool ONE and the city centre is as welcoming as possible to all visitors.

“We pride ourselves on being a destination that has something for everyone, and the introduction of these new initiatives is the next step in our ongoing commitment to enhancing visitor welcome and supporting our local community.”

The introduction of the additional accessibility tools and services is linked to the existing Liverpool City Region Accessibility Forum where individuals with lived experience are helping organisations across the region to become more accessible.