I am the parent of a wonderful 5-year-old boy who faces daily challenges due to his complex needs. My son has cerebral palsy, which means he is unable to walk and relies on a wheelchair. In June, he underwent a life-changing surgery to fit a stoma bag due to a colostomy. As you can imagine, these conditions make accessing suitable facilities in public spaces an essential aspect of our daily routine.

Unfortunately, the reality we face is that many public places do not offer the necessary changing facilities for individuals with disabilities or additional needs. This often leads to distressing and humiliating situations, not only for my son but for many others who depend on such facilities to live with dignity and inclusivity.

Did you know that in the UK alone, over 1.4 million people have a disability that requires extra facilities for toileting and changing? Yet, there is no legal mandate for public places to provide these essential services. This lack of accessible facilities means people are either forced to return home early, cut their experiences short, or face unsanitary and unsafe environments.

The government must step in to ensure that every public place is equipped with Changing Places facilities. This involves installing larger, accessible toilets with additional equipment, like hoists and adult-sized changing benches.

Now is the time for our voices to be heard. By making it mandatory to have Changing Places facilities in all public areas—such as shopping centres, transport hubs, and parks—we can transform the lives of millions of individuals who require these facilities daily.

Please join me in urging our legislators to take swift action on this issue. Sign this petition to make accessibility a priority for all and ensure that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can enjoy public life with dignity and independence. Thank you for your support.