Westgate Oxford is celebrating Purple Tuesday on 7th November with events to raise awareness of sensory and accessibility issues.
Purple Tuesday is a global initiative which looks to improve the customer experience for disabled people and their families year-round, with a day of celebration on the first Tuesday in November each year. Participating organisations must make a commitment to greater inclusion and accessibility, to ensure a positive experience for all guests.
The centre will be hosting a variety of events at Leiden Square on Tuesday 7th November to increase awareness of the facilities available for guests:
- 9.30am – 4pm: StyleAcre will be bringing family-friendly interactive arts and crafts to Leiden Square to raise awareness for their charity which supports people with learning difficulties and autism.
- 10am – 4pm: Guide Dogs for the Blind Association’s Oxford branch will be fundraising and telling guests more about their work.
- 10am – 4.30pm – KEEN Oxford will be bringing an interactive sensory foam obstacle for guests to use, to raise awareness of the local charity which campaigns for inclusion.
Westgate Oxford is dedicated to continuously improving inclusivity and accessibility for all visitors year-round. Accessibility facilities at the centre include:
- Stoma-friendly facilities, which follow the Colostomy UK guidelines and include new wall hooks, lipped shelves, wall mirrors, and the correct disposal facilities. These are located in the main toilet area on the Roof Terrace, in Social Street food, on the Lower Ground Mall and on Level -2 of the Car Park.
- Accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities for people with profound and multiple disabilities, each fitted with specialist equipment such as a hoist and changing bench with enough space for up to two carers to assist those with a disability. These can be found on the Roof Terrace.
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire to ensure guests with mobility issues can enjoy their visit. Booking is essential.
- 50 accessible parking spaces located in the centre’s car park.
- Hidden disability lanyards which can be collected from the Guest Experience Desk.
Brendan Hattam, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, said: “There are estimated to be 16 million people in the UK with some form of disability, almost a quarter of the population, and around 80% of disabled people have hidden impairments.
“It’s really important for us that anyone with additional needs feels welcome and supported at our centres, and we’re keen to understand what we can do to improve our visitors’ experience.
“A trip to the shops may seem straightforward for some of us, but can present difficulties for others in ways we might not immediately think of. It’s important that we consider and remove these barriers wherever possible.”
For further details, please visit www.westgateoxford.co.uk
ENDS
Notes to Editors
This information has been distributed on behalf of Westgate Oxford by Umpf. For further information please contact Danni Griffin by emailing westgate@umpf.co.uk
Westgate Oxford
Westgate Oxford is a modern retail and leisure destination, attracting world-class retailers and leisure facilities to the historic city of Oxford.
With over 100 brands and 20 restaurants, bars and cafes, Westgate Oxford offers a unique retail experience in the heart of Oxford.
Find out more at www.westgateoxford.co.uk
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At Landsec, we strive to connect communities, realise potential and deliver sustainable places.
As one of the largest real estate companies in Europe, our portfolio of well-connected retail, leisure, workspace and residential hubs. From the iconic Piccadilly Lights in the West End and the regeneration of London’s Victoria, to the creation of retail destinations at Westgate Oxford and Trinity Leeds, we own and manage some of the most successful and memorable real estate in the UK.
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