The public toilets in Sea Road, East Preston need refurbishing and local groups asked the parish council if, as part of the refurbishment, the toilets could be converted into a fully equipped Hoist Assisted Toilet facility. Disabled or accessible toilets alone do not offer the specialist equipment needed for those with more complex needs and most are too small to even accommodate a large wheelchair and one carer. People are then forced to be changed by being laid on the toilet floor, which is unhygienic and puts everyone involved at risk. There are around 250,000 disabled people in the UK who cannot use standard accessible toilets, the nearest public toilet facility suitable for them to use could be hours away. Our nearest Hoist Assisted Toilets are Worthing and Storrington. East Preston is a thriving seaside community with many visitors and such a facility will help to put East Preston on the map for disabled families and their carers, making it a more inclusive place to be.

What we'll deliver:

• A new Hoist Assisted Toilet with ramped access
• A new Full Sized Height Adjustable Changing Table
• Two new ACCESSIBLE Unisex Toilets

Why it's a great idea:

Hoist assisted toilets are designed to meet the needs of people with complex disabilities, of all age groups and their carers. The number of people with complex disabilities is growing and we are all living longer - so more people are likely to need access to a Hoist Assisted Toilet. People may have limited mobility so they need equipment to help them and possibly their carers to get to the toilet or to be changed using a changing bench. This needs to be full sized to accommodate young and old. By providing a Hoist Assisted Toilet, East Preston will be put on the map of places to offer such a worthwhile facility to those who cannot use regular toilet facilities. It will offer a disabled person and their carer/s the chance to use safe and clean facilities appropriate for their needs and benefit the local community and businesses. We have already raised nearly £5,000 towards the specialist equipment, please help us to reach our target of £11,000 through this funding initiative.

Steps to get it done:

• Renovate existing Toilet Block to include new ramped access
• Install a fully equipped Hoist Assisted Toilet facility
• Install two Accessible Unisex Toilets

Hoist assisted toilet facilities consist of the following equipment: Height Adjustable Changing Bench, Overhead Hoist System, Toilet, Washbasin, Privacy Screen and Grab Rails as well as the room itself being big enough to accommodate a large power chair and up to two careers. Local group SENCAT, who also supports this project is a group of parents with Children who attend either of the local schools or live in East Preston who have Special Educational Needs or Disabilities. They hold an after school children's club on the first Thursday of the month for the children and their siblings to attend. They also have special one off events for the children and hold coffee and chat meetings for the parents where parents are guided and signposted for specialist help and support. SENCAT also provides a group to share experiences. The group takes part in many community projects and events and wholeheartedly support this fantastic project.