Centre’s plans for sensory area
The Centre, Livingston, has unveiled plans to open a new quiet sensory room for children and young people experiencing sensory overload before Christmas.
The new room will feature interactive, sensory equipment including light changing bubble tubes, infinity wall panels and fibre optic lights, to provide a calming, relaxed environment.
The idea behind the room is to help give parents and carers the opportunity to take time out from the shopping environment in a safe, quiet room came from Andy Harris who has worked on the mall’s customer service team for almost 15 years, after speaking to customers and visiting other sensory rooms.
Bosses at the mall say they pride themselves on acting upon suggestions from team members and customers.
The idea came from Centre employee Andy Harris, who said: “Being part of the customer service team, we see first-hand how bringing a child into a shopping centre can be overwhelming for anyone experiencing sensory overload which is why I approached the management team with my idea for the sensory room.
“I’m absolutely delighted the plans are coming together well and confident our shoppers will be delighted with it and look forward to the official opening before
Christmas.”
Nick Ward, director of National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “We are incredibly impressed by the ambitious approach the team at The Centre, Livingston, is taking to improve access for autistic customers and their families.
“We know that two thirds of autistic people in Scotland feel socially isolated – but we also know that small adjustments can often make a big difference, meaning they can access and enjoy the places that many of us take for granted.
“By making small changes such as introducing a quiet sensory space, The Centre, Livingston, is improving accessibility and ensuring its services are accessible for autistic people and their families.
“I hope that other shopping centres will be encouraged to follow their lead and help make Scotland a more autismfriendly nation.”
Patrick Robbertze, centre director at The Centre, Livingston said: “We were delighted to hear Andy’s ideas for a sensory room earlier this year and his feedback from customers, and with his input we’ve put plans in place to create this calming environment for our shoppers, which we plan to open in time for Christmas.
“Our aim is to make visiting the mall a great experience for all our visitors and by creating this safe place for people to recharge is another way of ensuring our mall is inclusive for everyone.”
The Sensory Room, which is accessible for wheelchairs is located next to the Lothian Country helpdesk.
We are incredibly impressed by the ambitious approach