Wrexham AFC are now Stoma Aware!
07 August, 2023
Colostomy UK and Wrexham AFC are pleased to announce the STōK Cae Ras is now Stoma Friendly, with the clubs EFL return against MK Dons the first match where supporters could benefit from the upgraded accessible toilets, both in home and away areas.
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 Wrexham 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.
Wrexham AFC Disability Liaison Officer Kerry Evans explained the importance of the initiative, saying:
“We are very proud to be supporting Colostomy UK at Wrexham AFC, by providing Stoma Friendly facilities in all our accessible toilets in the ground from this season onwards.
“This is a very important initiative which is very close to my own heart, as I also have stomas and therefore a good understanding of how this will help fans with hidden disabilities. It’s yet another important initiative for us, as we continue to push inclusivity at the Club.”
Giovanni Cinque, Marketing & Campaigns Manager at Colostomy UK, spoke about the introduction of Stoma friendly toilets at the STōK Cae Ras.
“We’re really excited that Wrexham AFC have become the first professional sports club in Wales to make their facilities Stoma Friendly,” he said.
“It is fabulous that MK Dons were the first visitors to the STōK Cae Ras since the announcement, as their home ground Stadium:MK has also made the same upgrades.
“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 Wrexham, North Wales, and beyond to attend a game at the STōK Cae Ras.”
For more information about Colostomy UK’s Stoma Friendly toilets campaign, please visit https://www.colostomyuk.org/campaigns/toilets
