South Western Railway opens its first Changing Place toilet

South Western Railway has officially opened the first Changing Place toilet at one of its managed stations.

The facility, which opened at Woking Station, was unveiled in a ceremony which was attended by the MP for Woking, Jonathan Lord, alongside members of the local Working Access Group and SWR representatives.

Following the official opening, SWR station staff took part in training sessions so they can better support customers who need to use the facility and to ensure that it is maintained. Changing Places facilities are equipped to provide greater comfort, safety and dignity for customers and their carers. They come with adult sized changing benches which are adjustable, a tracked ceiling hoist, privacy screens, adjustable basins and are locked with RADAR keys.

Alongside the Changing Place, Woking Station also has one of three new Calming Spaces at stations managed by SWR, alongside Salisbury in Wiltshire and Brockenhurst in Hampshire, following further investment in these stations by SWR. Calming Spaces are waiting rooms which incorporate calming features to create a more inclusive space for customers who are neurodiverse or may have hidden disabilities. The Changing Place and Calming Space, along with other accessibility features at Woking make it one of the most accessible and inclusive stations.

The station has step-free access to all platforms, with ramps to help customers board and alight trains. There are wheelchairs available for customers who require one and step free routes through the station are marked. There are also bespoke dementia friendly signs around the station.