There’s a new kid on the block in West Bromwich when it comes to Stoma Friendly facilities!
12 July, 2024
There’s a new kid on the block in West Bromwich when it comes to Stoma Friendly facilities!
Six years after West Bromwich Albion FC became one of the first organisations to join our campaign we’re delighted to welcome New Square Shopping Centre to the Stoma Friendly family.
New Square is a one stop shopping and leisure destination in the heart of West Bromwich with over 30 big name stores, a great selection of cafes and eateries, a five screen Odeon cinema, and over 1,900 parking spaces. It also has excellent links to West Bromwich High Street, the Midland Metro Station, and is a ten-minute walk from West Bromwich Bus station.
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 many 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 New Square 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, New Square will provide 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.
Calvin Shakes, Operations Manager for New Square said
“Here at New Square, we are always looking at how we can improve our services to our customers. With a few simple changes we have made our disabled toilet Stoma Friendly. We encourage all businesses to look at making their facilities suitable for customers that require a safe place to use”
Giovanni Cinque, Marketing & Campaigns Manager at Colostomy UK commented
“We’re thrilled that New Square has committed to upgrading their accessible toilets, so they are Stoma Friendly. With over 8,000 people living with a stoma in the West Midlands alone, it’s great to know that they will be able to enjoy a visit to New Square safe in the knowledge that suitable facilities are available should they need them”
Check out everything New Square has to offer at https://www.newsquarewb.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
