public toilets - meeting of cpg on ageing

AMs discuss public toilet access for older people in Wales

‘Lack of public toilets leaves older people feeling isolated’ – Mike Hedges AM

WELSH GOVERNMENT Members will be discussing the problem of older people accessing public toilets across Wales this Wednesday (7 May).

The Cross Party Group on Older People and Ageing is meeting just after midday (12.15pm) in conference room 24 at Tŷ Hywel in Cardiff Bay.

Commenting on the ‘Public toilets and new Public Health Bill’ debate, Mike Hedges AM, Chair of the Cross Party Group on Older People and Ageing, says:

“The new Public Health Bill clearly outlines a number of practical actions to address specific public health concerns. This includes improving access to toilets for public use.

“It’s my belief that in any civilized society older people should have easy access to public toilets in their community – this includes the number of toilets available and how accessible they are.  

“A lack of public toilets leaves older people feeling isolated as they choose to stay at home, rather than meeting with friends and family out in their community. 

“This week’s Cross Party Group meeting will give us the chance to discuss how we support older people in ensuring they have access to the right public services.

Graeme Francis, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Age Cymru, which support the Cross Party Group on Older People, comments:

“Public toilets are a lifeline for older people, providing them with freedom, independence and the confidence they need to lead fulfilling and active lives.

“Yet despite this, public toilets are disappearing from our communities at an alarming rate and assertive action is needed to halt this decline.

 “The Cross Party Group on Older People and Ageing will be exploring how we can do more in Wales to ensure that public toilets are kept accessible for older people”

Speaking at the meeting is John Vincent from the Welsh Senate of Older People who will be speaking about the ‘P is for People’ campaign.

He will give a presentation outlining the steps needed to ensure that public toilets are kept accessible to older people across Wales.

Members of the group will also have the opportunity to ask the guest speakers questions.