Inclusion boost at Meadowside Leisure Centre with refurbished facilities

Accessibility and inclusivity at Meadowside Leisure Centre in Burton have taken a step forward following a recent refurbishment and the launch of a new session.

Run by leading operator Everyone Active in partnership with East Staffordshire Borough Council, Meadowside Leisure Centre now has an upgraded Changing Places accessible changing facility.

The refurbishment of the room came following a £12,000 donation from two Burton-based groups – Burton Mencap and CREST.

Upgrades included a new accessible height adjustable wash bed and a new accessible height adjustable sink, alongside a new shower, mirror and bench. The room has been cleaned and painted and a full reseal of the floor has been carried out.

Burton Mencap supports people with learning disabilities, as well as their families and carers, while CREST is a charity-run social club for adults with disabilities.

The room was officially reopened by Everyone Active’s contract manager Dan Mclean, Everyone Active’s general manager Nick Fearnett and representatives from both Mencap and CREST.

Meadowside Leisure Centre, Shobnall Leisure Complex and Uttoxeter Leisure Centre are the only leisure centres in East Staffordshire to offer Changing Places facilities, with Shobnall’s also being brand new and supported by a CREST donation.

Meanwhile, Meadowside Leisure Centre recently launched sensory swim sessions in the learner pool.

The sensory swims use lighting and low-level music to provide a suitable environment for those with specific sensory requirements to have an enjoyable swim with friends, family or carers.

Dan Mclean, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are proud to cater for everyone at Meadowside Leisure Centre and it was great to open the refurbished Changing Places room, which offers excellent accessible facilities.

“It’s also great to see the sensory swims doing well following their recent launch. They are proving a huge success both with individual users and local groups.

“There is something for everyone at Meadowside Leisure Centre, no matter what your age, interests or ability. We aim to help people across the community get active and the Changing Places refurbishment and sensory swims are helping us do just that.”

Cllr Paul Walker, cabinet member for tourism and leisure, said: “Thanks to the kind donations from CREST and Burton Mencap, this has allowed us to refurbish the Changing Places rooms at Meadowside Leisure Centre and open a brand new one at Shobnall Leisure Complex.

“We now have excellent, accessible changing facilities at all three of our leisure centres in East Staffordshire, which is fantastic. Combined with the expanding inclusive sessions on offer, now including sensory swimming at Meadowside, we will be able to offer even more opportunities for people to get active.”

Anyone who wishes to find out more about the sensory sessions or activities and facilities in general can phone Meadowside Leisure Centre on 01283 372960.