Stay Calm at the Liberty
If this time of year fills you with dread as Christmas approaches, fear not! The Liberty Centre in Romford has introduced the UK's first disability friendly 'Calm Lane' designed to encourage all shoppers to enjoy a relaxing shopping experience during the festive period.
The 260 metre path runs from the Romford High Street entrance of the Liberty Centre all the way through the main square and down Laurie Walk before reaching our Autism Hub, and will help Christmas shoppers as well as people with disabilities and impairments enjoy a more stress free shopping experience,
The pathway incorporates the Sycamore Trust logo alongside the LIberty Centre logo and was installed on Tuesday 13th November, as part of the first ever 'Purple Tuesday' initiative, the new government backed campaign launched this month to encourage retailers to become more inclusive and friendly towards customers with disabilities.
Liberty Centre manager Jonathan Poole said; "it is great to be able to welcome our 'Calm Lane' to the centre. Although shopping is known as a fun activity, we know that finding the perfect Christmas gift can be stressful and we wanted to introduce something that will encourage a calmer environment for our shoppers and shoppers with disabilities and impairments."
Steve Dixon from the Sycamore Trust UK added; "The Calm Lane is a great incentive to help people feel more relaxed during the busy Chrtistmas period. Busy and stressful environments can be a real challenge for people on the spectrum - hopefully the calm lane will make people feel more at ease."
Liberty Romford centre manager Jonathan Poole joined Steve and Autism Ambassador Alex Rowley, along with several members of staff from the West Ham United FC store at the unveiling of the Calm Lane on Purple Tuesday, 13th November.
The Calm Lane ends at our Autism Hub, which also hosts our Sensory Room. Any familiies with an autistic member that becomes a little overwhelmed whilst visiting the LIberty Centre can pop into the Hub and relax in the Sensory Room. No need to book - just turn up!
Autism Hub opening hours
Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am-4pm
Thursday 1pm - 5pm (subject to change)
Friday 10am - 4pm
Thank you to Sandra Rowse for the photographs and to the staff at the West Ham United FC store for their help
Check out the video of the opening on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpU5JB3GkVU