THE needs of customers with disabilities are being recognised by an Andover shopping centre today (Tuesday) as a part of a national campaign. 

The Chantry Centre is taking part in Purple Tuesday, the UK’s first-ever national accessible shopping day.

The campaign has been created to recognise the importance and needs of customers with disabilities.

The aim is not only to help raise awareness, but to also reinforce the message that businesses in the retail sector are fully committed to ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable shopping experience for everyone, each and every day of the year.

To mark Purple Tuesday, the Chantry Centre will be raising awareness of the disability friendly services they offer to Andover shoppers, with staff are trained in visual impairment and general disability awareness.

The centre also accommodates Unity, which aids independence and freedom for anyone experiencing mobility problems, and hires out walkers, wheelchairs and mobility scooter to access shopping or local facilities in the town.

Test Borough Valley Council have recently started work on a new Changing Places toilet in the current Unity office at Andover Bus Station, with work expected to be completed in January 2019. 

Scope, the national disability charity, has a presence at the Chantry Centre with their retail store and are strong supporters of Purple Tuesday.

Phil Talbot, head of media and communications at Scope, said: “Purple Tuesday is a great initiative and an important reminder to retailers that disabled customers should not be an afterthought.

"We recognise that many retailers are making efforts to improve inclusivity, but disabled people still face unnecessary difficulties when shopping, with issues such as poor accessibility and lack of awareness from staff, so it’s great to see so many big names on board trying to address this.”

Steve Cotney, Chanty Centre manager, said: “Almost 20 per cent of adults in the UK have a disability, 80 per cent of which have an invisible or hidden impairment. This means that an incredible four out of five disabled customers may require some sort of support. For our visitors who experience the world differently, we want to ensure that at the Chantry Centre, we are providing the best customer service and accessibility we can to all members of the community.

“We are continually working with our retailers to look for ways to improve visitors’ experience as it’s hugely important to us that everyone feels comfortable.

“Making simple adjustments to our surroundings opens up new opportunities for those with ‘silent’ disabilities to feel much more comfortable when out in public spaces.

“We are honoured to be part of such an inspiring and thought-provoking campaign, which is really bringing together the community here at the Chantry Centre."

Purple Tuesday has been launched by disability organisation Purple, who provide support services to both disabled people and business, bringing both together with the aim of changing the disability conversation from one of disadvantage and inequality to one of potential and value.

Mike Adams, CEO of Purple says: “We are delighted that the Chantry Centre is supporting the Purple Tuesday campaign to promote better accessibility for disabled shoppers. This is a collaborative campaign that extends far beyond one day, and it’s vital that retail organisations come together to make shopping more pleasurable and efficient for everyone.”

For information the Purple Tuesday activities and disability services the Chantry Centre provides, visit thechantrycentre.com