A NEW initiative is being introduced in Poole’s Dolphin Shopping Centre to better accommodate shoppers who experience sensory sensitivity.
Starting on Sunday March 27, the Dolphin Centre will introduce Sensory Sunday which aims to create a calmer environment for visitors on the last Sunday of every month. This will be achieved by dimming the lighting and having no music in the centre’s main mall area.
The initiative is to accommodate people of all ages who experience sensory overload or sensitivity in daily life, which can be caused by neurodivergent conditions such as autism or ADHD, or various physical and mental disabilities.
Sensory Sunday will take place throughout the entire day in line with the centre’s opening hours. 27 retailers including Boots, Primark and Beales will be involved.
Centre manager John Grinnell said: “There are many reasons why shopping can be a very overwhelming experience for some and this is why we decided to put these measures in place to make the centre more inclusive.
“Shopping centres have always been known as busy environments with many people, smells and sights to draw people in, but we recognise that this isn’t necessarily enjoyable for everyone.”
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