A Day Trip to RHS Garden Wisley; Made Possible by Changing Places Toilets
A few weeks ago, we braved the unseasonably cold weather to join 7-year-old Nora Elgarf and her family as they enjoyed a day out at one of their favourite accessible attractions; RHS Garden Wisley.
The RHS’s flagship garden installed its first Changing Places toilet a few years ago, and is eagerly anticipating the opening of its second in June.
Nora has Polymicrogyria, and as a result she cannot walk or use standard toilet facilities. Her family have always been determined that her disabilities should not stop her from enjoying the things that her twin sister
Layla enjoys, such as going on holiday, swimming, or going to the cinema. For them, having a Changing Places toilet is their No. 1 requirement when researching places to go. That is why they decided to become members of RHS Garden Wisley, which boasts a fully accessible Changing Places toilet next to the Welcome building.
The Elgarf Family at RHS Garden Wisley
RHS Garden Wisley is one of the UK’s best-loved gardens, attracting over a million visitors each year. The garden has expanded hugely over the years to its current size of 97ha (240 acres). With their focus on inspirational gardening – rather than a museum of plants and conservation, the dedicated staff are constantly assessing and updating plants and planting schemes to ensure there’s always something new to excite and inspire. The inclusion of a Changing Places toilet is a testament to this value to share the gardens with all of their visitors.
Andy Jasper, Programme Director at RHS Wisley, said;
“We have been making Wisley accessible for everyone, and a key part of that is the installation of Changing Places facilities.”
The existing Changing Places toilet features a wash basin, ceiling track hoist, fixed privacy screen, changing table and other aids such as handrails.
Our visit to RHS Garden Wisley can be viewed HERE
ABOUT THE ELGARF FAMILY
Jo and Mohamed are the proud parents of three children, including Nora who has Polymicrogyria. Jo campaigns for better therapy funding, specialist schools and Changing Places toilets for those with disabilities. Nora and Jo worked with Tesco on their Changing Places toilet project, and appeared in their recent advertising campaign.
MORE INFORMATION
Discover Changing Places with Aveso
We are passionate about creating spaces which provide a safe environment for people with additional needs. We can help every step of the way; from initial advice on feasibility and funding, to planning and design, through to installation. Book a consultation to find out more.