Bognor Regis Baptist Church launches fundraising appeal to improve its toilet facilities

The Bognor Regis Baptist Church is a busy hub of social activity, hosting clubs and events which aim to connect people and help combat loneliness.
Julie Passmore, administrator, and ministers Nick Drury and Jamie Fredricks, outside the churchJulie Passmore, administrator, and ministers Nick Drury and Jamie Fredricks, outside the church
Julie Passmore, administrator, and ministers Nick Drury and Jamie Fredricks, outside the church

But the toilet facilities at the well-used church in Victoria Drive, which is also known as The Shore Community Church, are increasingly unfit for purpose, according to Julie Passmore, one of the church leaders.

The church has launched a crowdfunding appeal with the aim of raising £11,084 to refurbish the toilet facilities, build a new disabled toilet and improve the baby changing equipment.

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Describing the current state of the toilets, Mrs Passmore said there was a hole in the floor, a window that would not close and no heating.

Members of the knit and knatter group held at the churchMembers of the knit and knatter group held at the church
Members of the knit and knatter group held at the church

“The last time they were refurbished was around 25 years ago – that’s how old they are,” she said. “They are functional but they’re not very welcoming.”

The existing disabled toilet is in a different area of the church and is not easily accessible, she added.

Improving the toilets would benefit church-goers as well as the many members of the community who use the space, according to Mrs Passmore.

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“It would be a nicer environment for people to come to,” she said.

The current state of the toilet facilitiesThe current state of the toilet facilities
The current state of the toilet facilities

Among the activities that take place at the church are a table tennis session, running groups, knit and knatter and coffee mornings.

And in June, the church is planning to launch a new community project – a renew wellbeing café which will initially run on Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday mornings .

Mrs Passmore said: “The idea of the café is a space where people can come and be connected with people.

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“It’s to help combat loneliness and for people who might be struggling with their mental health.”

Mrs Passmore hopes as much work as possible to upgrade the toilets will have been carried out by the time it launches.

To support the crowdfunder and find out more, visit www.spacehive.com and search ‘Bognor church toilet facilities’.