Harrogate Town join our stoma friendly toilets campaign
21 February, 2024
Colostomy UK and Harrogate Town AFC are pleased to announce The EnviroVent Stadium is now Stoma Friendly, joining fellow League Two Clubs, Wrexham, MK Dons, and Tranmere Rovers in upgrading their accessible toilets in both home and visiting supporter sections.
The facilities will provide a safe, clean space, with clear signage, as well as supporting those with additional needs.
It is estimated one in 335 people in the UK have a stoma, and they have additional needs when using the toilet. Accessible toilets often lack the facilities to make stoma bag changing safe and easy.
Inadequate accessible toilet facilities act as a form of social exclusion, and Harrogate Town AFC are looking to combat this with the introduction of Stoma Friendly toilets.
The Stoma friendly facilities will feature:
- Hook on door – To hang clothing, handbags and luggage while changing stoma bags. This provides more space in the cubicle.
- Shelf space – To enable ostomates to spread out their items easily and avoid having to use unsanitary surfaces.
- Mirror – To enable users to see their stoma while changing their appliances.
- Disposal bin in every cubicle – To avoid embarrassment for men and women having to dispose of their stoma bag in public view.
- Accessible #stomafriendly toilet signage – To highlight the right of ostomates to use the toilet and reduce the risk of hostility for ostomates when using an accessible toilet.
Hamilton Mattock, Fan Engagement Manager for Harrogate Town AFC said.
“We are delighted to have installed Stoma friendly toilets at the club, aiming to enhance the matchday experience for all fans. Inclusivity and comfort are paramount in our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.”
Giovanni Cinque, Marketing & Campaigns Manager at Colostomy UK, spoke about the introduction of Stoma friendly toilets at the EnviroVent Stadium.
“We’re really excited that Harrogate Town AFC have become the first professional sports club in Yorkshire to make their facilities Stoma Friendly, joining organisations like Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds Station , and numerous shopping and entertainment outlets in the county.”
“For people living with a stoma, a lack of suitable toilet facilities can be a huge barrier to doing many of the things most of us take for granted, like attending a football match, so we hope this announcement will encourage ostomates in Yorkshire and beyond to attend a game at the EnviroVent Stadium.
For more information about Colostomy UK’s Stoma Friendly toilets campaign, please visit https://www.colostomyuk.org/campaigns/toilets
For more on Harrogate Town FC visit https://www.harrogatetownafc.com/
