Hailsham Town Council highlights value of accessible wet room facility at the James West Community Centre

Hailsham Town Council is highlighting the benefits of the accessible wet room facility at James West Community Centre, following positive feedback from users and growing recognition of the need for this type of provision within the local community.

The facility was developed in response to feedback from local carers and members of the community who identified a need for somewhere people with mobility difficulties or additional personal care requirements could access suitable washing and toilet facilities when away from home.

The fully equipped wet room-style washroom includes an accessible shower and specialist equipment, providing a practical and more comfortable alternative for people who may struggle to use conventional bathroom facilities. It is believed to be one of very few facilities of this type available in the surrounding area outside the town centre.

Importantly, the toilet is free for members of the public to use, whether or not they are hiring the Community Centre. The shower and wider wet room facilities are also available to those hiring the Centre (for an additional £8 on top of hall or meeting room hire fees). For anyone wishing to use the wet room independently, without making a wider venue booking, the cost is £8 per session.

The Council believes this represents an affordable and valuable option for individuals and families, particularly those who may be managing additional care needs at home. For someone experiencing difficulties using a conventional bathroom in their own property, access to a fully equipped facility such as this could provide welcome support without the considerable expense and disruption associated with adapting or converting their own bathroom.

The facility has already received very positive feedback, both in relation to its provision and the cost of access, reinforcing the importance of making suitable facilities available to people who might otherwise have limited options when away from home.

Tony Lee, Operations and Facilities Manager at the Town Council, said: "We recognised that there was a genuine need within our community for this type of facility, particularly following conversations with local carers who highlighted the difficulties some people face when trying to access suitable washing facilities outside their own homes."

"This is much more than a standard accessible toilet. It is a fully equipped wet room with shower facilities and accessible equipment, designed to provide practical support for people with a range of needs."

"We are also keen to make clear that the public toilet provision is free to use. The £8 charge applies only when someone wishes to book and use the shower and wider wet room facilities, whether hiring the Community Centre or not. We feel this is a very reasonable charge for access to a facility of this nature, particularly when compared with the potential cost of adapting a bathroom at home."

Cllr Dave Chapman, Chair of the Assets Management Committee commented: "We want our community facilities to be accessible and welcoming to everyone, and it is important that we listen to the needs of local residents and carers when considering how best to improve them. This facility is a valuable addition to James West Community Centre and demonstrates how the Council can make a practical difference to people's everyday lives."

"We are particularly pleased that the wet room can be accessed without having to hire the wider Centre, and that we can offer this specialist facility at a relatively modest cost. We hope it will provide reassurance and greater convenience for individuals and families, helping people maintain their independence and enjoy greater confidence when accessing facilities away from home."

Kirsten Fernforth of the James West Community Centre management team added: "We are continually improving the facilities here at the centre, and are keen to engage with members of our community who need specialist resources like this, to let us know what's needed in future. Our community spaces should be accessible to all."

"We are particularly pleased that the facility is available as a stand-alone booking, meaning people do not have to pay to hire an entire hall or meeting room simply to access the wet room. We hope it will continue to provide a useful and affordable resource for individuals, families and carers across Hailsham and the surrounding area."

The Council welcomes enquiries from anyone who feels they, or someone they care for, could benefit from the facility.

For further information, to discuss individual requirements or to arrange a booking, contact the James West Community Centre team on 07761 913928 or email [email protected].