On Tuesday 12th November, Lewisham Shopping Centre is marking Purple Tuesday by helping to raise awareness of sensory and accessibility issues.
Purple Tuesday is an annual initiative which looks to improve the customer experience for disabled people and their families year-round. Participating organisations must make a commitment to greater inclusion and accessibility, to ensure a positive experience for all visitors.
Lewisham Shopping Centre’s ambassadors will be on hand to speak with visitors and share information about the accessibility services and facilities available to support all guests. The team will wearing purple t-shirts to help identify themselves to guests.
Guide Dogs, the UK’s leading sight loss charity, will also be at the centre on 12th November, offering visitors support and information. The charity will also be encouraging volunteers and accepting donations to continue its vital work, including providing trained guide dogs to help people with sight loss continue to live the life they choose.
Lewisham Shopping Centre is dedicated to continuously improving inclusivity and accessibility for all visitors. Accessibility facilities at the centre include:
Quiet Hour every Tuesday from 9am – 10am. Between these times, the centre and retailers reduce noise for those who prefer a calmer shopping environment without music, product demonstrations or mall activity.
Stoma-friendly facilities are available, providing a safe, clean, and helpful space for bags to be changed. The facilities follow Colostomy UK guidelines and include wall hooks, lipped shelving, full-length mirrors and the correct disposal facilities.
Changing Places toilet facilities for people with profound and multiple disabilities, each fitted with specialist equipment such as a hoist and changing bench with enough space for up to two carers to assist those with a disability.
Sensory backpacks are available for guests to use for free during their visit to the centre, filled with ear defenders, sensory toys, and information to help guests with additional needs enjoy their visit at Lewisham Shopping Centre. The sensory backpacks can be collected from the Customer Information Point.
Free sensory toys and hidden disability lanyards can be collected from Lewisham Shopping Centre’s Customer Information Point.
Paul Redden, Centre Director at Lewisham Shopping Centre, said: “There more than 16 million people in the UK living with a disability, almost a quarter of the total population, and around 80% of disabled people have hidden impairments.
“We’re driven to ensure everyone feels welcome and valued at our centre, no matter their needs, and we’re committed to continuously improving the experience for all our visitors.”
For further details on accessibility facilities at Lewisham Shopping Centre, please visit https://lewishamshopping.co.uk/
