Leading Real Estate company Landsec joins Stoma Friendly Toilets campaign.
25 June, 2024
People living with a stoma will be able to visit some of the UK’s leading retail and leisure hubs with added confidence thanks to the decision by Landsec to upgrade the facilities found in accessible toilets at their venues, so they are now Stoma Friendly.
Planning trips away from home can be a source of anxiety for many of the 200,000 plus people living with a stoma in the UK as man toilets may not be adequately designed for them to be able to safely change their stoma bags. In some cases, people have had to change their bags on the floor of public toilets.
The accessible toilets at Landsec properties are Stoma Friendly because they include the following:
Hooks to hang personal belongings.
Shelves to provide a clean surface where people can put their medical supplies,
A bin inside the cubicle to dispose of used stoma bags discretely, and
A full-length mirror which enables people to view their stoma while changing their bag.
People living with a stoma can also face discrimination, being challenged, or criticised for using accessible toilets. To combat this, Landsec has provided clear signage that accessible toilets are inclusive for those with a stoma to use, using ‘Not all disabilities are visible’ stickers as provided by Colostomy UK.
Giovanni Cinque Marketing & Campaigns Manager commented on the announcement.
“We’re really excited that an organisation of the scale of Landsec are supporting our Stoma Friendly toilets campaign. Their involvement started in 2023 when thanks to the efforts of one of our Stoma Aware campaigners Lyn Morgan, The White Rose shopping centre, and Trinity Leeds came on board. To now see this extend company wide is brilliant, and will make a real difference in allowing people living with a stoma to do many of the things others take for granted. We’re also really encouraged that we are also set to work with Landsec on introducing Stoma Aware training to the company”
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Landsec-owned Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centres said: “We understand that a trip to the shops can be a potential source of anxiety for people with additional needs, and it’s our job to make sure we reduce these barriers wherever possible. Our new stoma-friendly facilities are another positive step forward. We’re continuously looking to make our shopping centres more inclusive and accessible, and we welcome feedback so we can create a positive experience for all visitors.”
Landsec venues which feature Stoma Friendly accessible toilets include:
Bluewater
Trinity Leeds
White Rose, Leeds
Southside, Wandsworth
Westgate, Oxford
Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth
Braintree Village
Clarks Village, Somerset
Lewisham Shopping Centre
02 Finchley
Westwood Cross, Broadstairs
Buchanen Galleries, Glasgow
Landsec are one of the leading real estate companies in the UK, owning and managing some of its most memorable real estate. Their £10.1 billion portfolio spans 23.8 million square feet (as at 30th September 2023) of well-connected retail, leisure, workspace and residential hubs. Find out more by visiting their website https://landsec.com/
Colostomy UK are a national charity that exists to make a positive difference for anyone impacted by any kind of stoma or stoma surgery. Find out more about our Stoma Friendly toilets campaign https://www.colostomyuk.org/campaigns/toilets/ Looking for support in managing the practical or emotional aspects of living with a stoma? Call our 24/7 helpline 0800 328 4257
