A FLINTSHIRE woman is campaigning for better facilities for disabled people across North Wales.

Kim Edwards, 32, of Gronant, started her 'Places to Change' campaign last year after she was left disappointed with the lack of toilet facilities which meant disabled people were not able to have their basic human needs met.

Ms Edwards, who was born with Friedreich's Ataxia, said whenever she is asked to go out with her friends, the first thing she thinks about is the toilet.

Friedreich's ataxia is a rare genetic disease that causes difficulty walking, a loss of sensation in the arms and legs, and impaired speech.

She told the Leader: "It's based on a national campaign (Changing Places) but I localised it to North Wales because I was fed up with the lack of facilities.

"If I go out somewhere I can only go for a few hours because I need to use my facilities at home instead.

"It's a bit of a nightmare at the moment and it shouldn't be like that. I can't go any further than Holywell of Prestatyn because it's too far for me and I have to take into account travel time.

"When someone asks me if I want to go somewhere the first thing I think of is the toilet, I can't look forward to anything."

Ms Edwards said she wants to see the correct toileting facilities which includes all equipment such as a hoist and changing bed so those with a disability can keep their independence and feel a sense of inclusion.

She added: "I think it's poor to be honest the amount of facilities that are available.

"I'm really passionate about this, I have noticed that a lot of people with disabilities don't get accepted into the community.

"One main reason for doing this is to get inclusion so everyone is included and thought about."

A public meeting will be held on March 22 at 1pm at Care and Repair, Rowleys Drive, Shotton and anyone wishing to attend can email changeit.northwales@gmail.com or visit the Places to Change in North Wales Facebook page.

Lynsey Bennett, community care officer, said: "I was asked to help Kim with the campaign and it's something I feel strongly about. I've been working with people with disabilities for nearly 20 years and I've worked on the care side and I have seen the planning and preparation. Anyone else can use the toilet any time they want and it's not fair."

In Flintshire County Council's draft toilet strategy, out of the four existing county facilities available to the public, none have a place incorporating adult changing facilities such as hoists, for people with profound disabilities and their carers.

With additional facilities within the county, two are changing place facilities which include Clwyd Riding Centre and Holywell Leisure Centre.

A consultation is running up until April 26. To have your say visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LocalToiletsStrategy or to see the draft strategy, visit www.flintshire.gov.uk.

A Flintshire County Council spokesman said: "Flintshire County Council is currently out for public consultation on its draft Local Toilet Strategy, which includes consideration for Changing Places and facilities available at publicly accessible toilets. It would be too early in the process to provide comment on the outcome of this consultation at this stage. Any members of the public or interested parties who wish to share their views are encouraged to visit the Council’s website where the Draft Strategy is available along with a link to provide comment www.flintshire.gov.uk/DraftToiletStrategy."