FIFE College is helping to make a difference to students and the community with the opening of a Changing Place facility which is fully accessible for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and the provision is helping a Lochgelly woman make her decision to go to college.

In conjunction with PAMIS, an external organisation which aims to support a more inclusive society, the College officially cut the ribbon and opened its new facility which is situated in its Stenton Campus, Stenton Road, Glenrothes.

Many accessible toilets don’t meet the requirements of people with additional support needs – the College’s new facility is fully accessible and features an adapted toilet and changing room with a tracking hoist and bench, wet room/shower area and more space to move around which will make it easier for those who use a wheelchair.

Jimmy McGachan and his daughter Sarah (25), from Lochgelly, helped to cut the ribbon to officially open the new facility followed by the cutting of a special cake to celebrate in the College’s Bistro.

Jimmy said: “Sarah is considering coming to College and we were invited to pay a visit to Fife College.

"Having these facilities on campus would make a big difference to Sarah’s everyday experience as a student and so we will definitely consider a course here.”

Julie Taylor, Information Officer from PAMIS, is pleased to be working in partnership with the College and said: “There are now 146 similar Changing Places in Scotland thanks to organisations, such as Fife College, funding and supporting these much needed facilities. This will help families, who live in the community or further afield to plan their journey or day out and use the facility when required.”

Craig Martin, Curriculum Manager for Supported Learning, is delighted that the College was able to fund such a worthwhile facility that can also be used by the wider community.

Said Craig: “At Fife College we are committed to improving the learner experience of all our students and to also strengthen links with the wider community.

"We were delighted to work in partnership with PAMIS who now have our facility highlighted on their online map. This will make a difference to the wider community and encourage those who wouldn’t normally use our campus to pop in and pay us a visit whenever they are in the area. We look forward to working with PAMIS to roll out similar facilities in our other campuses in the future and on other projects which promote an inclusive society.”