Chewing the fat

Hi readers, it’s Kerry here, writing this on a Saturday sitting outside the Seventh Seal, in Brewery Square, Dorchester. The sun is shining although it’s still a bit cold.

I have been chatting about all sorts of things while enjoying my coffee. I just noticed the milk heart, on top of my cappuccino when it arrived, is still there still looking up at me from the bottom of the cup in the bit of froth remaining. How good is that.  

I like coming here as it’s run by local people who are really friendly (always a good reason to support); they make great speciality coffee; and it’s different in a good way from other cafes with other things going on - like selling consciously cool men’s clothes, and a barber’s doing men’s grooming. The toilet is accessible, and they still take cash, so another tick in the ‘accessible’ box!

Talking of toilets, I hear that Dorchester Hospital (DCH) opens their first Changing Places toilet in May. That’s great! It’s been so annoying going to DCH and trying to locate the nearest accessible toilet.

I see DCH had £100,000 from NHS England to pay for it, which seems like a lot for a Changing Place. I know they can cost up to £50,000, but maybe this one has extra things? I look forward to seeing it when I'm next at DCH, probably when I’m next delivering the Oliver McGowan training.

I was invited to ‘open’ the one in Weymouth some years ago and got given a key, which you normally have to pay for, so am keen to find out how to get one for the Changing Place at DCH.

Much more to write about but out of time so tune in next week for more thoughts from us!

The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by People First Dorset - a charity led and run by people with learning disabilities with support from staff