Changing Places

The Ripon Disability Forum (RDF) has campaigned for over five years for a Changing Places toilet in the centre of the city.

Prior to this the RDF was involved in the design process for the new Ripon swimming pool and were able to secure an additional Changing Places toilet that would be available to anyone off the street as well as the planned one in the pool changing area.

Throughout the COVID years and into 2022, the RDF worked with Harrogate Borough Council to identify a suitable location for a Changing Places toilet in the city centre and agreed designs for this toilet.

With RDF support Harrogate Borough Council hope to successfully apply for central government grant funding to support the costs involved.

This should be in place by the summer of 2024.

For more information visit Changing Places

Take a Seat – We Are Age and Disability Friendly

The Ripon Take A Seat campaign was based on a model created in Nottingham.

It was noticed that there are hardly any places to sit and rest anymore. This lack of seating can make it hard for the elderly and disabled to stay independent and go about daily activities, like shopping or visiting friends, because they can’t walk far.

Disability can happen to anyone at any time, whether permanently or temporarily due to an accident, illness or pregnancy.

To help out RDF started a program called “Take a Seat” in Ripon. This program encourages local shops and businesses to offer a seat for those who need a short rest without any obligation to buy anything. Of course, we hope people will support participating businesses when they do want to shop.

RDF provides both the branded chair bib and window sticker. Whilst chair style advice is also offered each business can determine for itself what chair it can offer and where to place it.

The ‘Take a Seat’ initiative has already been working well in places like Nottingham and Manchester and is now expanding to other areas. All participating locations will show a sticker with the program’s logo.

This program has been supported by multiple partners including Ripon City Council, Ripon Together, Harrogate & District Community Action (HADCA), the Rowel Rotary Club, and Ripon Cathedral. You can look for businesses and organisations with the logo to find a place to rest.

COVID did result in a loss of the seats in Ripon and so RDF will be working with businesses to reinstate them through 2024.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Ripon does not currently have a Citizens Advice Bureau Office.

If you need help with filling in any forms, dealing with local authority services or legal/financial advice use these details to contact them.

Using their help can greatly improve the success of applications for things like PIP.

Telephone appointments are available if you cannot easily travel for an appointment.

Address:
Audrey Burton House
Queensway
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG1 5LX

Telephone: 0808 278 7900
Website: www.cany.org.uk

Open Country

Open Country began in 1990 as a temporary project managed by: The Countryside Commission, Harrogate Borough Council, North Yorkshire Social Services, Harrogate Health Authority and the Fieldfare Trust and funded by Powergen, Yorkshire Field Studies Trust and Mencap. Since then Open Country has developed into a small charity with huge aims! On an average week we run up to 26 countryside activities, catering for a range of abilities. Over the years we have been recognised by many awards including the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2006.

Open Country has over 30 years of experience in successfully organising and leading countryside activities and has enabled hundreds of people with a disability to access and enjoy the countryside.

On the back of this experience, we are able to offer high-quality information, training and advice to organisations wanting to provide better access to their countryside sites and events as well as individuals and their families wishing to access the countryside independently.

Phone: 01423 507227
Website: www.opencountry.org.uk
Email: community@opencountry.org.uk