Fareham Shopping Centre backs Purple Tuesday - the UK's annual accessible shopping day

The day will see shopping centres and retailers across the country introduce measures to ensure visitors’ shopping experience is more inclusive for those who have both physical and hidden disabilities.

Fareham Shopping Centre has been on board with the scheme for the past three years and has been training and reviewing its accessibility matters with staff in the centre to continually improve upon customer service.

Since 2019, Fareham Shopping Centre has vastly improved inclusivity. All members of staff have undergone Disability Confident and World Host training with some members even becoming Dementia Champions. The centre also introduced Sensory Sundays in January 2019, where they dedicate a whole day to accommodate for customers who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, also known as ‘quiet hours’.

This initiative continues to run the last Sunday of every month.

On the day there will be stalls set up in Osborn Square, from 10am to 4pm, promoting awareness and ambassadors on hand for shoppers to come for information and advice.

Also taking part are One Community, Disabled People’s Voice, The Rainbow Centre, Fareham Shopmobility, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Dementia Support, Dementia Friendly Hampshire and Dementia Friendly Fareham and Gosport.

And there will be free Fareham Shopping Centre and Purple Tuesday-branded tote bag giveaways.

Centre manager Mike Taylor said: ‘The shopping centre is delighted to be part of this great initiative once again. We encourage customers to visit the stand and talk to us of their shopping experiences and challenges they face.’