Changing Places at Portstewart Strand
A fantastic new Changing Places facility at Portstewart Strand, on the Causeway Coast. This National Trust beach is now recognised as an ‘Inclusive Beach’, the 3rd awarded in Northern Ireland!
Read the BBC Article ‘Portstewart Strand becomes fully accessible with new equipment’ here!
The accessible facility has been designed with enough space and equipment for people who are not able to use the toilet independently. The space offers;
- Height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench
- Ceiling mounted hoist
- Height adjustable washbasin
- Automatic toilet with bidet washing and warm air drying
- Toilet is centrally placed with space for carers either side
- Grab rails and hinged grab rails
- Non-slip floor
- Privacy screen
- Emergency alarm
- Hot air hand dryer
Sync Living worked with the design team to select appropriate equipment in line with Changing Places guidelines, liaised with contractors during conversion of existing building, and the fit out of key equipment.
Huge credit to the National Trust for organising the facility, and for training their staff in how to use and maintain the equipment. This project would not have happened without the hard work and determination of a number of campaigners and organisations – No least the Mae Murray Foundation, Disability Sport NI, and countless more.
Laurence Ghisoiu, senior visitor experience officer at the National Trust, “We are delighted to be able to offer these fantastic facilities from Portstewart Strand, allowing more and more of our visitors to be able to enjoy this beautiful beach”.
Sport NI chief executive Antoinette McKeown said, “Everyone deserves the opportunity to walk, run or wheel along the beach”.
