Please see details below from the Levenshulme Inspired Peoples Project, about a fantastic local project, shaped and delivered by the Inspire Task Force (local older people who take a direct approach to tackling issues that affect local older people).
The “Don’t Get Caught Short” project was inspired by negative press publicity which highlighted the difficulty a visitor to Levenshulme experienced in obtaining access to a publically accessible toilet. The gentleman was in urgent need but was turned away from a number of shops who explained they were unable to help.
The Inspired Task Force responded by engaging with local business and services to highlight the importance of supporting members of the local community (their customers) and were able to negotiate with them encouraging many to provide access to their facilities.
This project / service has been widely publicised in a leaflet which has been distributed throughout the community. It highlights where facilities are available. Those businesses who are able to offer support have been provided with a window sticker. All businesses have been provided with copies of the leaflet – if they are unable to provide access to facilities, they can quickly refer someone to local services ensuring people don’t get caught short.
Opportunities will exist to replicate this scheme and support will be available through the Locality Networks to delivery similar projects in other neighbourhoods.