Shopping centre brings back Quiet Hour for Autism Acceptance Week
DERBION has announced it will reintroduce its Quiet Hour initiative, coinciding with Autism Acceptance Week, as well as debut sensory bags to enhance the shopping experience for individuals with autism and anxiety.
The Quiet Hour scheme is set to relaunch at Derbion to coincide with World Autism Acceptance Day tomorrow and the start of Autism Acceptance Week (April 2-8).
The reintroduction of Quiet Hour will offer a dedicated time, six days a week, where lights and noise will be reduced to help make Derbion more accessible to visitors who might be overwhelmed by a typical shopping experience.
From tomorrow, Quiet Hour will take place at the centre every Monday to Saturday from 9am to 10am. More than 40 retailers, including M&S, LUSH and JD Sports will be participating in the scheme, which will see stores turn off music, reduce announcements and dim lighting where possible, to create a calming environment for those who need it. As part of the relaunch, Derbion is also introducing sensory bags, available for use by shoppers seven days a week, during centre hours. The bags, which can be collected at customer services on level one near Boots, contain ear defenders, sunglasses and fidget toys to provide additional support for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
As part of its Derbion Cares initiative, Derbion has recently announced it is providing local children and young people’s charity, Umbrella, with fundraising, free in-centre activity space, employee volunteer time and centre resource throughout the year.
As part of the charity partnership, Umbrella will also be providing Derbion employees with training in understanding autism and how to support autistic children and adults.
Beth McDonald, managing director of Derbion, said: “We know that busy public spaces can sometimes prove challenging for people because of factors such as bright lights, loud noises or crowded areas, and we’re confident that the relaunch of Quiet Hour will make a real difference to many of our visitor’s shopping experience.
“At Derbion, we’re committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for our autistic shoppers, not only across the centre and in-stores, but also by providing important training for our employees.”
Jake Hopkins, autism community engagement officer at the Autism Information Service, said: “It’s wonderful to hear what Derbion, and its retailers, are implementing across the centre timed to World Autism Acceptance Day and the start of Autism Acceptance Week, and we’re sure the reintroduction of Quiet Hour will create an inclusive and welcoming environment for those who need it.”