Disability charity aims to raise £50,000 for mobile accessible toilet

Friday 11 October 2019

A local disability charity wants to raise £50,000 to purchase a mobile toilet enabling islanders with disabilities to take part in more activities and make more events accessible to them.

Enable Jersey is aiming to buy a Mobiloo, a van equipped with an accessible toilet, as well as a hoist and an adult-sized changing bench.

They will be trailing the Mobiloo at the ‘Wheels For All’ festival, which is taking place this Saturday at Les Quennevais Sports Centre from 11:00 to 15:00, but want the van to become a permanent fixture.

"The Mobiloo really is an exciting piece of kit,” said Clare Smith, Enable’s Communication and Revenue Officer. “We're hiring it for this particular event and bringing it to the island thanks to Condor's support. We absolutely want to permanently acquire one and need to find sponsorship/fundraise around £50,000 in order to do that.”

Video: James Brown of Mobiloo shows an example of one of the vehicles.

Ms Smith explained that having a Mobiloo will mean people with different abilities will be able to attend more events, rather than being stuck at home due to the lack of suitable facilities.

“We know that toilet facilities aren't always suitable or readily available for people with different abilities,” she explained. “They might need a bit more space, or to use an electronic hoist or changing bench in order to go to the toilet. This means that the choice facing such islanders is to stay at home or risk injury and infection by getting changed on a public toilet floor. 

“Having a Mobiloo available at events and venues means people aren't forced to make this choice and can take part in everyday activities, experience events and join in the fun.”

Pictured: Different types of tricycles, two-seater bikes, handcycles, four-wheelers and wheelchair transporters will be available.

The reaction to the Mobiloo has already been “incredible”, according to Enable’s Chair, Clair Cousins. “We think this could make a huge difference and really open up access to events and activities for people with complex needs.”

Islanders attending ‘Wheels for All’ will be able to use the Mobiloo and share their thoughts with Enable. The charity is also keen to anyone wishing to support the purchase of the vehicle.

The festival has been organised as part of Enable’s 50^th anniversary, in partnership with Move More Jersey, a branch of Jersey Sport aiming to make physical activity more accessible for islanders.

Different types of tricycles, two-seater bikes, handcycles, four-wheelers, wheelchair transporters and more will be available on the day for islanders of all ages and abilities to try.

Pictured: Enable Jersey hope to establish a permanent base equipped with specially adapted cycles.

If the event proves popular and further funding can be secured, Enable Jersey and Jersey Sport hope to establish a permanent base equipped with specially adapted cycles and trained volunteers. 

This, the charity says, would provide people of all abilities with more opportunity to regularly enjoy the benefits of cycling, either independently or as part of a group.

“Purchasing bicycles and cycling accessories can be expensive - especially when you need specialist equipment that isn’t always readily available on the island,” Ms Cousins explained.  “We really hope that, by holding the event this weekend, we can demonstrate the benefits of having a permanent Wheels For All Centre here in Jersey.”