Published Friday 16 November 2018 at 10:49
Retailers across Blackburn helped celebrate Purple Tuesday, the UK’s first accessible shopping day, on Tuesday 13 November.
The day promotes awareness of disabled customers, highlighting the difficulties disabled shoppers face and the measures that can be put in place to overcome them.
The Mall Blackburn pledged to commit one quiet hour for children with additional needs during every family event. Staff also dressed in campaign t-shirts and gave away badges to highlight the centre’s commitment to its services for people with disabilities.
The Mall offers free wheelchairs that are available to pre-book. There is also a hearing loop that is used to assist the hearing impaired, and the Just Can’t Wait card for people with Crohn’s and Colitis can be used across the centre.
Councillor Phil Riley, Executive Member for Regeneration and Growth, said:
This is a fantastic campaign, supporting customers who need assistance and creating awareness of the difficulties that disabled shoppers face.
General Manager at The Mall Blackburn, Loraine Jones, commented:
It has been fantastic to be involved in this initiative and I am delighted to announce the start our commitment to provide one quiet hour during all our family events. It’s great to see the UK’s retail community come together to mark this inaugural event and we will certainly be supporting it in years to come too.
Blackburn Market also offers disabled parking and toilets. ‘Changing Places’ facilities are available as well; these are bathroom amenities that have more space and equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and hoist.
This is along with the Market offering Shopmobility services, which provide mobility scooters and power chairs. Blackburn bus station also provides facilities for disabled commuters. These include a disabled toilet and designated parking for mobility scooters immediately outside the bus station next to the cycles. More assistance is also available at the information desk.
Since launching its initiative in August this year, disability organisation Purple has secured more than 500 sign-ups from established and up-and-coming retail organisations to help shoppers with disabilities.
CEO of Purple, Mike Adams, said:
It’s vital that retail organisations come together to make shopping more pleasurable and efficient for everyone.
Resources for organisations and individuals wishing to get involved with Purple Tuesday are available for download on their website.