Stafford mum calls for better Changing Places access in town centre

A Stafford mum has called for better Changing Places toilet access in Stafford town centre after saying her daughter had to be changed on a toilet floor during a weekend visit.

The family shared the experience on the Facebook page Penny’s Army - our Sanfilippo fight, which raises awareness of Penny’s condition.

Penny, aged 11 (Credit: Penny’s Army - our Sanfilippo fight)

Penny, from Stafford, was born healthy and was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome shortly after her fourth birthday. She was also featured by BBC Children in Need in 2024. BBC Children in Need said Penny was diagnosed just after her fourth birthday with Sanfilippo syndrome, which it described as a form of childhood dementia.

Sanfilippo syndrome is a rare genetic condition that mainly affects a child’s nervous system. It happens when the body cannot break down a certain substance, which then builds up in cells and damages them. Symptoms often begin in early childhood and get worse over time.

Penny’s mum said the family had visited Stafford town centre when Penny needed an urgent nappy change. She said they went to the Changing Places toilet in Stafford town centre but were told it was closed at weekends.

She said Penny then had to be changed on a toilet floor, describing the situation as not dignified, not hygienic and not acceptable.

Changing Places toilets are different from standard accessible toilets. They are larger and include specialist equipment, such as an adult-sized changing bench and a hoist. Some also have shower facilities.

They are designed for people who cannot use a standard accessible toilet safely, including some older children and adults who need to lie down to be changed.

Stafford Borough Council’s public toilet information lists facilities at Staffordshire County Council’s Staffordshire Place as open Monday to Friday 8am-6pm.

There is also a Changing Places toilet at Stafford Railway Station, which is open during station opening times. Penny’s mum said the railway station facility was not listed on the Changing Places website at the time, but she has contacted Changing Places to ask for it to be added.

In a follow-up post, the family thanked people for supporting the issue and said better communication would help families plan days out more easily.